Politically Overwhelmed

Brash conservatives dominated media coverage of town hall meetings in August, a murderously enraged pastor asked his flock to pray for the demise of the president, and unabashed, anti-everything protesters marched on Washington D.C. in September. The liberal response was primarily found in a slew of blogs, hard-hitting articles, and late night jokes.

The Democratic base have taken some hits for being somewhat disorganized and remaining largely immobile. Is this a valid observation or are they just ahead of the curve in political and social evolution?

Voters invariably find that their elected officials are out of touch and out of reach. With unemployment on a consistent rise, the desperate avoidance of foreclosure and/or bankruptcy, and numerous domestic and international emergencies, people have a vital need to be heard. In a democracy, Americans are entitled to have their cries for action heard, presumably by the same body they elected to act in Americans' interest.

With today's technology, internet access is inexpensive and versatile. Innovations have made web design and advertising easier than ever. Online communication is lightning fast. Is it any wonder people are turning to their computers in a time when a Democrat-led White House, House of Representatives, and Senate are tackling a sundry of important legislation that may determine the outcome of their precarious situations?

President Obama has made political history with his strategic use of the interwebs both during his presidential campaign and as sitting president. He recognizes that the internet is the present and future of communication, including mass media, and has made it work for him.

In the season finale of Real Time with Bill Maher, Chris Matthews said that politicians like letters and that is the way to get things done. There is a feeling of denial in this old school formality. Letter writers will inevitably get the same response (form letter) as email writers, and both take about the same amount of effort. The only difference is the time in which it takes to garner such a response, if your representive thinks your letter or email is of sufficient importance to send one.

If you are not putting innovative technology to use multiple decades after its inception, you are past thoughtful evolvement and should not be holding public office. An important and oft forgotten trait is the ability to alter one's perceptions based on evidence and experience. Every politician should be riding the cyber wave into the future in the form of expedient, effective online communication with their constituents. If you are not yet convinced, consider all the taxpayer money (and trees) it will save.

For the rest of us, perhaps it is time to both recognize an internet revolution and not allow it to take the place of human interaction. Sometimes, being seen and heard at the same time has a profound effect. And we all know some people learn better with visual aids.

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Byrdbytch said:

Queen In my many decades, I have always thought of 'conservatives' as synonymous with 'dinosaurs'. Perhaps I'm not too far off, you think? To paraphrase a cliche, when life hands you a dinosaur, make oil!

October 23, 2009

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