I was so impressed yesterday when I saw that Obama had launched this website Change.gov — Office of the President-Elect. And not because the site itself is overly impressive. There’s the latest news, there’s a place where folks can send in stories or input (it’s under the heading “Open Government”), there are bio’s, and there’s a section where Obama outlines his top agenda items for the country:
Renewing American Global Leadership
You can even apply for a job, but none of that is really the point, is it? The point is that only 2 days after his election, Obama has the savy and insight to leverage technology that (at least to me) fosters a direct connection between him and the people.
Never can I remember feeling a direct connection in this way to the president (or president elect). I remember the thrill of writing to Carter when I was in elementary school. To tell you the truth I can’t remember if I ever got a reply (I think I did), but it was the act of reaching out and giving my opinion that I remember most clearly.
So yeah, I think this is a good start. It is far more symbolic than productive — but I sure like the symbol.
Filed under: Politics, Technology Tagged: | Internet, Obama, Technology
Roger Norling
Brain Skarpowsky
Tyson Koska
You know, it might actually be “by the people, for the people” after all.
Cooool
Hmmm… their “contact us” page requires Name, Address, email… and it’s not a secure page….
LOL
“Nearly 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year, costing more than $55 billion. We must ensure that the privacy of personnel data in computer systems is better protected.”
from the Protect America section
fabulous. i was wondering if he was going to do something like this since his campaign involved us little folk so much. and you know, even if it only stays symbolic, one of the first rules of persuasion/negotiation is to make people they have a seat at the table.
one of the many reasons I was such an advocate.
He has the H from HOPE, now he just needs the TTPS
I agree that its more symbolic than productive, but I’ll take it.