In the post 9/11 world, the Iraq War and threats to homeland security have dominated Washington's national security debate. Fears of terrorist attacks and weapons of mass destruction riveted the attention of policy makers. But now come signs that America's political leaders are finally turning their attention to a chronic national security concern—the failure of the US to remain competitive in math, science and engineering.

I'd like to encourage some speculation about one of the world's great incongruities.

Computer Science is a great field. It's supremely creative. It's changing our lives, driving our economy, and transforming the conduct of science, engineering, and many other fields. It's projected to be the source of 70% of the jobs in all fields of science and engineering between now and 2012. It's open to everyone.