There are some parts of the proposed economic stimulus bill that I think are really great. And those parts involve spending to spur technology. There is no doubt in my mind that economic progress depends on technological innovation. Some of the greatest technologies in our history have started from government programs -- including the Internet. And I hope that the current stimulus plan can get us some significant technological progress.

Here are the parts -- which merge alternative energy and information technology -- that I think have that potential:

• Using renewable energy sources, like wind turbines and solar panels, on a smart grid that could handle inconsistent electricity production;
• Creating more energy to lower the cost of running big computer servers;
• Employing variable pricing for peak hours since the smart grid could send signals in both directions, potentially expanding the Internet's reach;
• Extending other forms of broadband lines to rural and under-served areas; and
• Moving health records online which would open new markets for digital connections, data storage and consumer services