Note: I am feeling inspired today and looking for something to give me a topic to post weekly on, in the same light as Red's 1001 Albums posting. So, I am taking up the cause of talking about cool things I find on the web. I might move this to Tuesday and save Thursday for Snake's Encore, which will be my retort to Red's 1001 albums post on Wednesdays.
I was notified in a mailing list e-mail this week that President Obama was opening up the White House. The public was invited to submit questions @ whitehouse.gov and vote on the validity of questions entered by others, which the President would address in an Internet based town hall meeting Thursday @ 11:30 am EDT.
I was intrigued to say the least. I went home, registered and even submitted a question. The best thing I could think up was 'What is a good indicator to the average person that our economy is improving? What can we look to as a sign that these measures are doing good?' or something like that. I am not sure how I worded it.
The next step was to vote on other questions whether they were good or not. I must say I was surprised by the number of questions about the legalization of marijuana to stimulate the economy, reduce prison over crowding and reduce police expense. Although, when dealing with Internet traffic, I guess I shouldn't have been so shocked. So, I did my part and voted. Most of the time I was perturbed that some were not questions at all, instead they were ranting statements. They all got 'NO' votes.
I tried to watch the broadcast at work today, but our connection really sucks. My wife informed me though that the President did at least acknowledge the marijuana questions by simply stating it was not a good way to fix the economy. I am not sure if there will be an archive of the broadcast so people can re-watch it. I hope so, because I really wanted to see it.
I personally had not visited this site probably since I was in high school. There are several Presidential address videos on there, blogs on issues around the nation, updates on signed legislation, info on the new budget proposals, and a wealth of other information.
I feel a little naive for submitting my question for the town hall meeting, but at the same time slightly empowered by this idea. If anything, this is certainly change and I believe for the good. The Internet is all about accessing information, and I am glad to see that the White House realizes they need to use this tool effectively. If anything, it instills hope. Although, it is much in the same fashion that I hope one day people start reading our blog. They are probably pipe dreams, but at the same time I feel like I have a chance to be heard now that I don't believe existed before.
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3 comments:
I was thinking the other day about writing something comparing Obama's strategy the first few months of his presidency to Blagovich's strategy when the charges were brought up against him.
I realize the circumstances are different.
But...
Doesn't it seem like both of them try find every media and entertainment forum to make themselves seem cool or good. Granted Obama does a much better job of this. But does cracking jokes with Leno and picking NCAA pools on ESPN help the country anymore than Blago going on Letterman help him not get impeached and stay out of jail?
I don't know the answers. It's just something I noticed.
I would say motive is the biggest difference. Blago was caught in a serious situation and was basically going around pleading a bad case after everyone had already made up their minds on his guilt having experienced it.
As President, it is more about humanizing himself. I feel more of a connection now than I ever did in the last 8 years. For once our President seems like a real person cause he watches and knows bball and can joke about the same things we joke about.
I guess I feel a relation because the same moment is happened at my work. Corporate is opening the doors, making everyone accountable, getting everyone involved in the communication process, being up front,etc. Alot of the same message Obama is now preaching. I am not totally naive to think that it is all emcompassing or everything it is billed, but at the same time it is enough change for the better to present hope.
I suppose I am just cynical.
Probably just the writer in me. Show me, don't tell me.
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