Overview

Last Updated 25 November 2000

An entire career of computer software and systems development provides ample experience that systems of all kinds need strongly-held principles and appropriately-engineered approaches to achieve lofty goals. Such systems include our society as a whole and governmental operations within that society.

Common Sense 2020 presents visions, principles, approaches, and actions in many areas of human and governmental endeavor that could be applied to achieve some lofty goals early in the 21st century.

225 years ago, Thomas Paine's Common Sense helped foment the rebellion that enabled the creation of our nation and Consitution. This Common Sense 2020 attempts to do the same for our nation and our world at the beginning of the 21st century, to foster clear thinking and bring about major improvements in our governmental policies and operations, and in our society.

Significant, visible progress in each area can be achieved in one generation or less, hence the title, Common Sense 2020, 20 years from the year 2000.

Mike Forster, Palo Alto, California
November 2000