Is Barack Obama's idea-gathering website just for show?
The incoming Obama administration's Internet solicitation of voters' advice could signal a push for e-democracy. Or it could be just a gimmick.
Want to join a policy debate? Your e-mail will appear on change.gov. Readers then rate your submission using icons whose thumbs are up or down. Submissions that are deemed the best rise to the top of the screen.
To proponents, these efforts by Obama's team to build a Web-based network of support can democratize the government anew. To skeptics, however, change.gov is little more than a clever public-relations device, a way to keep Obama's fans ...
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When the masses are invited to effectively participate to governing, you have a somewhat contradictory system: every opinion can be expressed, the intention is for each individual to count, but the more you allow it, the more it exceeds the official capabilities to evaluate every opinion. Maybe a self-selective mechanism should be tested and put into place, so the officials can gather only what's important. Thumbs up -- thumbs down is a classic idea. Will see how it works.