Politics
and the Internet: 'I Did Not Know' Is Unacceptable
By
Leroy Jones, Jr.
Political Commentator & Columnist
Within
our country today, there seems to be a general disconnect
and anger directed towards elected officials and political
leadership across the board. Regardless of race, party, or
political leanings, there is a consensus that your opinions
are not important to the process, and that your voice is not
being heard. Such talk in our democracy is common, but in
this era of instant news and constant information updates,
there are more opportunities than ever to be heard. The Internet
has made it possible for everyone to speak up.
Whether
the issues are the war in Iraq, healthcare, immigration, education,
or the economy, most folks can now voice their opinions and
ideas instantly. The Internet with its blogs, web sites, and
email has changed the way we view and interact with the political
process. Governing a country with such modern technology and
openness has become much more complex and challenging. The
need to keep people informed is now more important than ever,
whether it concerns civil servants or local, state, and federal
officials.
Americans
readily express their constitutional right to criticize
and question every idea and decision put forth by our
government entities and leadership. This is the beauty
of our country and its political process. The Internet
has altered how our opinions are formed and shaped.
It has changed the way we see, hear, read, and think.
Within moments, those in the South can get a feel for
how folks on the West Coast are dealing with particular
economic and healthcare issues that they face on a daily
basis.
The
Internet has also changed how candidates get their message
out to voters. In 2000, there were only a handful of
candidates on any level with websites and blogs that
were specifically set up to reach out to voters. Now,
everyone is announcing their intention to run for political
office over the Internet. Who would have thought it?
Presently, campaigns cannot compete without web sites,
blogs, and the ability to raise money online. The use
of this technology has engaged a new generation of people
from a broad political spectrum. This has changed how
candidates run for office and how they will govern once
they are elected.
As
the technology matures, we are now beginning to see
the evolution of online entities that have applied the
use of the Internet to wield both policy and political
influence on issues that matter to them. They have learned
to harness the power of the Internet to make their voices
heard. Web sites and blogs like DailyKos, RedState,
BlackAmericaWeb, and others have changed the playing
field for candidates, elected officials, and voters.
There are now enormous amounts of information for everyone
to read and process. Both the political leadership and
the voters see the information immediately. The response
and the reaction can now be instantaneous.
So
in this age of the Internet, no group or individual
can claim he or she does not have access to the information
needed to make their decision on any candidate or issue.
The information can be accessed at home, work, or public
libraries. There are no more excuses for the “so-called”
uninformed electorate.
As
we move further into this extended Election 2008 cycle
it will continue to be very important to look, listen
and learn.
Our
future and the future of our nation depend on it. In
this modern information age, “I did not know”
is not acceptable.
Leroy
Jones, Jr., is the creator of PoliticalJones.com
and a Political Commentator and Government Affairs Consultant
based in Washington, D.C. He is a regularly scheduled
guest on "The
Right Side with Shelley Wynter" daily radio
show on WAOK-1380 AM (Atlanta/CBS), XM Satellite Radio,
Blacknews.com and various other media outlets. Email
Mr. Jones at ljones@politicaljones.com
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