We may be too close to it to have good perspective, but 2008 was a triumphant turming point for democracy and humanity, thanks to the blogosphere. So says Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, the Internet's classfied ad section.
Imagining that he is writing from the year 2058, in the new book "The Way We Will Be 50 Years from Today," Craig credits bloggers with restoring the American Constitution in 2008.
"People forget that a tipping point occurred that year; citizen journalists exposed so much corruption that the mainstream press followed through. That was the real beginning of continuous coverage of governance via Congresspedia. Until 2008, the victors, the guys with guns, wrote what we'd consider history. That year, the history of record became Wikipedia. What I think happened is that the mass of humanity, who are almost all moderates, got tired of the fanatics, got connected via the 'net, and started to run things."
If humanity can use the 'net to save the Constitution, can it save the economy--or build a better one? Maybe it will be an economy that values voter participation and civic engagement and clean air and water, an economy where status doesn't have much to do with stuff you buy?
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2 comments:
Yes apartments, condos, villages, cities and the whole USofA is bloated with stuff.
But as long as the Haves are directed by the media/advertisers as to what will make them happy this will continue. When the split between Haves and Have Nots becomes an abyss and the surplus Haves fall into it there can be change,,,I see in the long term that can happen and the system can "revolution"ize ,,in the short term a revolution could happen if unemployment goes to 25% or beyond ,,hopefully an effective stimulus plan will create manufacturing jobs for main st. america that will also support a sluggish service sector. This would dampen the current cycle and even if the landing is hard rather than soft it could allow for progress to slowly substitute for change by revolution. As for me; my new mantra is credit sucks and at the same time i am reducing my cable bill by $40 per month (CNN is overrated). For a long term plan I totally believe in the DIE BROKE philosophy of Stephan M. Pollan; 1)QUIT TODAY,don't get married to your job, the corporation is not loyal to you 2)PAY CASH,like i said credit sucks,,frugality and financial prudence go a long way 3)DON'T RETIRE the premise of quitting today means finding something you are passionate about and pursuing it, if you love what you are doing there is no reason to retire 4) DIE BROKE, your legacy does not need to expect your wealth. Opportunity, education and work are better sources of a stronger family and world. As E.F. Schumacher writes Small is Beautiful
I think it was former senator Al D'Amato, on Bloomberg radio recently, who said he doesn't understand why Americans aren't out in the streets protesting the bank bailouts.
The banks today...is that an example of the "Haves" falling into an abyss?
p.s. Congratulations on trimming the cable bill.
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