Big Think

P W on May 20, 2008, 9:57 PM

Some how, this concept of updating our political opinions is not a practical one. People don't generally want to engage in that subject as frequently as would be necessary for this to be practicable. It sounds a tad like a techie response to the issue, though I realize Jeff is a journalist…but a mighty techie one at that :)

P W on May 21, 2008, 1:57 AM

Some how, this concept of updating our political opinions is not a practical one. People don’t generally want to engage in that subject as frequently as would be necessary for this to be practicable. It sounds a tad like a techie response to the issue, though I realize Jeff is a journalist…but a mighty techie one at that :)

Ed Zwart on June 5, 2008, 11:10 PM

What's wrong with changing the structure of government? I don't think it works really well at all! (I say this, five months AFTER taking a job with the government. argh)

I think there is room for participation, if not necessarily decision making, that is not just lip service and empowers people and makes government work better for them. But it's still a long way off. Online communities have some growing up to do first, and they will.

Also, I would distinguish that kind of voting from from casting ballots for candidates. That's simply not desirable (yet? or ever?) for security reasons.

Ed Zwart on June 6, 2008, 3:10 AM

What’s wrong with changing the structure of government? I don’t think it works really well at all! (I say this, five months AFTER taking a job with the government. argh)

I think there is room for participation, if not necessarily decision making, that is not just lip service and empowers people and makes government work better for them. But it’s still a long way off. Online communities have some growing up to do first, and they will.

Also, I would distinguish that kind of voting from from casting ballots for candidates. That’s simply not desirable (yet? or ever?) for security reasons.