Can technology help government

I am a firm believer that technology can be utilized to help government, especially if it used to make government more transparent and accessible. Although the comments on Slashdot suggest many ways technology can be used, one in particular stood out to me. I believe that Barack Obama's "youtube"presidency can have a tremendously positive impact on the way Americans view our government. I personally feel that a weekly presidential address will completely change the way the mainstream public feels about government in general.

This is a transition period in our countries' history. For the first time since I can remember we have a president elect who actually excites and inspires the American public. I believe Obama can utilize technology to help keep the American inspired and interested. Some comments on slashdot suggest that these youtube videos won't work because nobody is actually interested in government. "The problem with accessible government is that no-one's interested. Even where there are dedicated TV channels (e.g. in the UK) hardly anyone watches them. Why's that? Because the work of government is almost 100% pure tedium. No-one wants to watch what happens in committee meeting - even if that's where the laws are actually made, nor do are they prepared to sit through hours of televised debate." While this quote presents a valid point I don't believe that it is touching on the proper subject. I think Obama can use these videos to help him keep the interest of the mainstream public. American morale is at an all time low after 8 years of Bush and I think the Americans are ready for a complete change. For example, I believe that the average American feels no daily connection to government, he votes on election day and then forgets about government for the most part. By utilizing youtube as a weekly communicative media Barack Obama can completely change that.

Many posts on slashdot also suggest that any messages the president would be sending would be false or watered down anyway. I feel that this is a more legitimate cocnern. There is definitely a buffer between the truth and what the public actually hears about government. But I believe that Barack Obama doesn't need to use these videos as a front for filling Americans in the absolute truth. I think these videos would be just as useful if he spent 5 minutes explaining to Americans the current state of affairs regarding foreign policy, the economy, and other issues that are important to Americans. I believe the most important thing is that Obama shows his face once a week and assures the Americans that everything is ok. Reassurance is all people really need.

This new idea of using technology to help government is definitely a revolutionary and brilliant idea. In my mind the key to fixing our country is by increasing the average Americans' participation in government. I feel that mainstream America doesn't know enough about government to really be involved. If our government doesn't have anything to hide than I believe it would be a great thing if people could see it in action. Why stop with youtube videos, why can't people tune in to an entire congressional hearing. This new utilization of technology is going to change American politics forever and I believe for the better.