Obama's technology policy: making government more open and accountable

[democrattotheend]

I have read through Obama's policies on his website and I think he has a lot of great ideas, some of which I wish he would mention more on the stump. One idea that has not gotten a lot of attention is his technology policy proposals, so I thought I'd highlight a few here. I posted this in another thread but someone suggested that I post it as a separate thread.

He has some great ideas about using the White House website as a vehicle for citizen participation. He proposes adding a comments section and giving citizens five days to post comments before signing or vetoing all non-emergency legislation. I think that's a great idea and wish he would mention it in his stump speech, because it is an example of his philosophy that lobbyists and special interests would have less influence if people were paying attention and got involved.

On his website, he proposes: "Establishing pilot programs to open up government decision-making and involve the public in the work of agencies, not simply by soliciting opinions, but by tapping into the vast and distributed expertise of the American citizenry to help government make more informed decisions."

He also talks about making more government data available to American citizens via the web, and requiring cabinet departments to post a live feed of significant business meetings so citizens can watch.

I think these are some great ideas that go to the heart of what he is about: making government of, by, and for the people again by creating greater transparency and accountability and giving citizens the tools to get engaged and hold their government accountable.

You can read more about his technology proposals and his ideas about making the government more transparent through technology at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/#transparent-democracy

One thing I'd like to hear thoughts on is whether people think it's a good idea for him to mention some of this on the stump. I think the upside of that is that it shows his talk about changing the way the government operates is not just rhetoric, that he has a plan to back it up. And the plus of some of these proposals is that most of them are things he might be able to implement without having to get approval from Congress, since they deal with managing the executive branch.

The downside to focusing on these proposals is that it could play into the "elitist" meme, making him seem out of touch with working class voters who may not have internet access.

Thoughts? Hopefully this won't sink too fast because it does not attack anyone.

[DJ13]

1. Already R'ed, heres a kick!

:kick:

[newmajority]

2. It's gotta be a tough call

Speaking about making government more open and accountable would undoubtedly bring even more voters to him. The downside is, it would also remind people how secretive the government is now, and has been for the last 28 years. Which in turn, makes him a bigger target of those who don't want that to change, because they have much to hide.

We can see their desperation already.......

[democrattotheend]

3. Eh, I don't know about that

I don't think the media is out to get him because he's such a threat to corporate interests. I just think they want to keep the primaries going because it's good for ratings.

My only concern about him mentioning more of this on the stump is that focusing on technology too much could play into the "elitist" meme, since not everyone has internet access.

[democrattotheend]

4. Nobody likes a thread that doesn't attack?

I had a feeling this would sink because it was not a hit piece. Figures.

[MH1]

5. This is one of the pivotal reasons I support Obama.

I don't think anyone can reasonably say that he and Hillary have the same position on government transparency.

[democrattotheend]

6. I'm curious if people think he should talk about this more on the stump

I think the upside of that is that it shows his talk about changing the way the government operates is not just rhetoric, that he has a plan to back it up. And the plus of some of these proposals is that most of them are things he might be able to implement without having to get approval from Congress, since they deal with managing the executive branch.

The downside to focusing on these proposals is that it could play into the "elitist" meme, making him seem out of touch with working class voters who may not have internet access.

[MADem]

7. K/R--Worthwhile topic. NT

[democrattotheend]

8. Thanks!

Appreciate that, from a Clinton supporter especially. :)

[MADem]

9. One more--maybe it'll stick today.

If not, try again after the primary fuss dies down.

[TheDoorbellRang]

10. This is one of the things I really like about his plans

What a contrast between this secretive administration and an Obama administration. Write a letter to B*shco and know you're now on a "list" somewhere in the bowels of the White House. Write a letter to an Obama White House and know that someone will at least consider what you've said as an American citizen.

I particularly like his plans for a round table discussion of healthcare to be aired on cspan when he is president. A discussion including all points of view: patients, medical personnel, health administrators, insurance companies. I foresee lots of input from Americans on the benefits of universal health care vs. universal health insurance on that day. :-)

[boppers]

11. Obama @ Google:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4yVlPqeZwo

Obama actually knows a bit about technology. He prolly even knows how to use those newfangled coffee machines.

[democrattotheend]

12. Good point, LOL