Re: [Futurework] Schwarzenegger's first mistake

[Robert E. Bowd]

This is interesting, Arthur, but who are the Web citizens?  The answer to that question may not favour the idea of mass democracy, but I can see it working well for those of us who are wired.   B. ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 11:00 AM Subject: RE: [Futurework] Schwarzenegger's first mistake Representative democracy made a lot of sense when citizens needed to be represented in the capital.  Travel time could be days or weeks.  And it was costly.   Now with the Web citizens can represent themselves in real time.  Government will have to get in front of this and begin to figure out ways to have online referenda in a measured way.  Yes, it might diminish the power of the elected officials, but by getting out in front of this it may be the only way they can maintain their power.   arthur -----Original Message----- From: Karen Watters Cole [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2003 11:00 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Futurework] Schwarzenegger's first mistake Arthur wrote: It may also be the case that the recall and the excitement (and success of the effort) will spur the direct democracy movement leading to online referenda on a variety of issues.  May be the only way to keep citizens involved and engaged in politics.   As a matter of fact, the lead above-the-fold headline in The Oregonian today is "Oregon has natural defenses against recall fever".  Probably a common feature across the country this week.    Though it may not have any constitutional legs, don't be surprised to see much more web and old-fashioned politicking with a Recall Bush target.  Yesterday I referred to letters demanding Rumsfeld's resignation.  There have been several internet letter and phone campaigns targeting him that I know of, organized by the very successful Moveon.org and others.  Their rhetoric is mild compared to some.   They are using grassroots techniques with internet technology, so that people recognize the medium and the opportunity.  A great blend.   Web-based politics is succeeding because it reaches people inside their homes and gives them/us a chance to express our opinion, join a group, become part of a movement, conveniently.  Conservatives have been doing this for years (think  Ralph Reed and the Christian Coalition and Grover Norquist and his anti-tax propaganda) and progressives/moderates are just now getting into the game.    My concern about direct referenda such as the California experience is that it moves too fast, it increases the risk of over-correction, deceit and mass manipulation.  But our status quo process is too slow, cumbersome and costly, both in fiscal and human capital.  Somewhere along the way we hopefully will find a middle way.   Karen