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Peek-a-boo is an entertaining game for young children. Due to their limited understanding of object permanence, hiding faces from babies brings joyful smiles as they try to grasp what’s happening in the world around them.
Playing this game with the wealthiest and most powerful nation may not be as amusing, but the Trump administration has certainly given it a shot.
For years, U.S. federal agencies carried out extensive public health research to guide policies addressing issues like drug addiction and food insecurity. However, these invaluable data collection efforts have now been significantly reduced or entirely scrapped (see, US public health system is flying blind after deep cuts).
By figuratively covering its eyes, the U.S. government seems to be wishing these challenges will vanish, when, in reality, the opposite is likely to occur.
As we learned during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, data, monitoring, and preparedness are crucial for preventing disasters. Statistical agencies and data collectors aren’t just collecting data; they’re our frontline defense against uncertainty.
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Not all heroes wear capes, but some do their best to create them from spreadsheets.
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The U.S. isn’t alone in this forgetfulness. The UK’s Office for National Statistics, once regarded as exemplary, has experienced a decline in recent years. Facing issues of poor-quality data and inaccurate statistics due in part to a lack of funding.
A significant part of the issue is the perception of this type of work as dull. No politician ever gained votes by vowing to conduct surveys on every mailbox, and statisticians hardly become celebrities.
However, this needs to change. Not all heroes wear capes, but some strive to craft them from spreadsheets. This vital data-driven work deserves recognition and reinforcement. Governance without object permanence is ill-advised, and sadly, the United States is on the brink of discovering this reality.
Source: www.newscientist.com
