Most exciting ideas are not important, most important ideas are not exciting, not every problem has a good solution, and every solution has side effects.

--- Dan Geer, Testimony to U. S. House of Representatives Committee on Science Subcommittee on Technology Washington, DC, 11 February 1997

I am reminded of what I know as the four verities of government:

• Most exciting ideas are not important,

• Most important ideas are not exciting,

• Not every problem has a good solution, and

• Every solution has side effects.