Dare I say, as expected, offered an opportunity to actual do
something, many (the 91%?) keep explaining (debate back and forth) why
one should do nothing.
I personally find that one can act *and* discuss the implications and
consequences of their actions at the same time.
With all the talent and expertise on this list, surely someone could
help Larry Lessig succeed with his campaign? It's
complicated/complex. Who's up to it? Remember, this was inspired
<http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-aaron-swartz-helped-inspire-lawrence-lessigs-mayday-pac>
by Aaron Swartz.
I think that IS roughly what Glen was putting at least a few minutes of
thought into... just *what* could be done to help from a simulation
science point of view.
While it may be important to support Lessig-like initiatives to
undermine/minimize campaign funding abuses, it might also be important
to look for ways to lessen the impact of high-profile campaigning.
I personally avoid all political advertising (shot the Telly a long time
ago and am careful what I listen to or read) and think that we'd be a
*much* more enlightened citizenry if we eschewed *all* advertising, most
especially political advertising. If it didn't work, they wouldn't use
it. How do we stop it from working?
I think the most important thing I can do for the democratic process is
to engage in it with my full mind and soul. I should be more concerned
with my own well-informed vote than gaming the gamers of the system. I
hope Lessig *does* undermine the campaign funding nonsense and I'm even
willing to help him do it (fund his campaign to undermine campaign
funding) but I'm not willing to pretend it is anything more than "a good
start".
If 10% of Democrats send in $.05, he has his goal. If 1% send in $.50,
ditto. If .1% send $5 viola! Or Buffet or any one of a lot of high
profile "progressives" can twitch a little finger and the $5M will be there.
This cant be as simple as raising a (measly?) $5M can it? Isn't it the
*awareness* raised by 5M people committing a dollar and feeling invested
in the outcome that matters?
I appreciate that this was brought up on the list, but I think it is
more important to discuss the implications of it than it is to raise an
additional what, $500 or even $5000 for the cause?
This isn't a political discussion list, but it *is* a complex systems
discussion list, and I agree with Glen's point that this is probably not
about simply outlinearing the linear...
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