DEMOCRACY 2.0

Democracy.  What is it supposed entail?  The definition of democracy is "a system of government by the whole population of all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives."  Is that really what we are experiencing in America?  Or are politicians voting based on the companies that line their pockets with the most money?  Or trading votes with other politicians based on their own personal agendas?  Where is our voice, the citizen's voice?

Democracy 2.0 holds an amazing prospect, and I personally hope that the momentum continues to grow.  Through social media, and by tapping into the vein of Americans, with their constantly  plugged in mentality democracy 2.0 is a wonderful idea.  The internet has become a bridge that is capable of linking people, ideas, and opinions.  The voice of the majority can be calculated and shared with those that are elected to vote on our behalf.  

Pia Mancini and her organization, Democracy OS is revolutionizing the opportunity that the citizen has to participate in government.  Through this software they will make available the legislation that is on the floor.  This will be explained in terms that are more easily understood to the population. Additionally, this will encourage the conversations about the upcoming legislation available, and there is also a button to choose either for or against the bill.  

This information is then available to the elected official.  Democracy OS is trying to take this one step further and promote their own candidate that will be held to the voice of the people that are voting through the software.  Although they were unable to get their candidate elected this time, the current government in Argentina is now willing to look at the data that they are collecting through the votes collected through their software.  


Why is this uniting of citizens important?  In an era of fear we have given up immense amounts of privacy. The Patriot Act opened the floodgates that allowed the government to legally begin spying on American Citizens.  The government has found loopholes around the laws and have taken information on Americans under the guise of National Security.  

We will only have a voice when we unite with those that share our ideals.  A new way of uniting is through social media outlets.  This wave of technology can be the change that finally brings change and accountability to our elected officials.  The views of the majority will have a voice.