Wise Development

The development of the railroads and then the automobile and the airplane enabled us to expand our transportation systems and our economies, to reduce travel time and clean up our environment.

Water chlorination and the development of sanitary sewers allowed us to eliminate illnesses caused by exposure to harmful bacteria in water and human waste with indoor toilets and sewer systems.

Electric power allowed us to add electric lights, modern appliances and air conditioning to our homes. It also powered our factories and work places and enabled us to increase productivity. It revolutionized our communications and our capabilities.

The development of anti-biotics allowed for penicillin to be available to cure inflammation in 1945 and that enabled us to add 20 years to our life expectancy  Penicillin allowed us to recover from plagues and infections.

The development of the transistor by Bell Labs in 1947 was a game-changer. The transistor replaced the vacuum tube. This enabled development of integrated circuits that replaced all mechanical systems.

The development of radio frequency devices deployed in the 1940s led to wider use of RF and enabled the development of cell phones, satellite communication networks and the computerization of all of our systems and processes. 

I predict that the Hybrid Engine is here to stay. It allows drivers to avoid burning gasoline unnecessarily while stuck in city gridlock. The $1 billion Toyota spent to develop the Hybrid Engine was money well spent.

The Japanese car companies led the way to dominance in designing lighter, more efficient cars to increase miles per gallon. They did this in response to government mpg requirements imposed from the 1970s. US cars got 10 mpg in the 1970s and 20 mpg by the 1990s. Foreign cars always got 30 mpg and now Japanese cars get 40 to 50 mpg. Car life has increased from 100,000 miles to over 300,000 miles.

Developing stronger battery systems made the hybrid and electric cars possible. Electricity costs consumers 13 cents per kwh in 2018. It costs $2.40 to recharge an electric car. It takes from 4 to 12 hours to charge depending or battery size and charging speed. Two car families can consider using an electric car for short commutes, but should also have a hybrid that recharges itself. The future of electric cars will be based on reliability and price.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader