Technology and Politics

Imbedded in a shirt-renting complaint about the difficulty of using cell phones in subways, New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman says this:

"Message: In U.S. politics, the party that most quickly absorbs the latest technology often dominates. F.D.R. dominated radio and the fireside chat; J.F.K., televised debates; Republicans, direct mail and then talk radio, and now Karl Rove's networked voter databases.

The technological model coming next - which Howard Dean accidentally uncovered but never fully developed - will revolve around the power of networks and blogging. The public official or candidate will no longer just be the one who talks to the many or tries to listen to the many. Rather, he or she will be a hub of connectivity for the many to work with the many - creating networks of public advocates to identify and solve problems and get behind politicians who get it."

The Libertarian Party is overrun with computer geeks. Its time it made the best use of its resources. Readers of this blog are welcome to comment.