The Internet - the US economy's weakest link

Washington

HERE'S today's quiz: What poses the greatest threat to America's economy? (a) federal budget deficits (b) China (c) trade deficits (d) ineffective schools (e) the Internet (f) none of the above.

The correct answer is (e), the Internet - the technological wonder of the age.

True, all the other threats are real. Runaway budget deficits could raise interest rates. China could overtake the United States in some high-technology industries. Inadequate schools could mean scarcity of skilled workers. All these developments could slightly slow economic growth or raise unemployment.

By contrast, the Internet - if turned against us through hacking and cyberattacks - could conceivably shut down most of the economy. It represents a "po…