Gregory Sampson: Schrödinger’s Cat

Gregory Sampson interprets Trump education policy during this interregnum.

Schrodinger’s cat is a famous thought experiment in which the renowned scientist pondered how a cat in a closed box could be thought of as simultaneously alive and dead as long as it is not observed and its fate depends upon a random event that may or may not happen. As long as the cat’s fate is not known, both possibilities are occurring. Once one opens the box, one finds either a dead cat or an alive cat. This visual observation or measurement collapses the differing outcomes into one.

In the midst of our interregnum, where we find ourselves between an election and the day when the winners will be installed into office, we are contemplating a closed box where many possible policies exist simultaneously. Until we get beyond the interregnum and see what policies actually take effect, we are living in a time of confused worry and angst.

Nationally, Donald Trump is doing his best Donald Trump. He has promised much, simultaneously saying he will do it and backing off saying he will not do it: tariffs, vengeance upon his enemies, mass deportation, on and on the list goes. His proposed leadership promises kooky policies that Trump says he does not support. Does he or doesn’t he?

Will the new administration deauthorize vaccines or not? Will they ban the addition of fluorine to public water supplies or not? Will an alcoholic run the Defense Department? Is he or isn’t he? Will the Education Department aggressively push federal school vouchers or will it be shut down?

I’m sure you can think of many things to add to this list of Schrödinger’s cats.

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