eGovernment

This may be the most important topic in this class so far. I think individual involvement in and education about our government is vital to the success of our nation. People are able to learn so much about other points of view and details of issues and candidates during elections and all kinds of important things using the internet. It is such a gift to be able to do that.

I would love to see schools teach kids how to sort through the information and listen thoughtfully to the details of issues. To teach them how to understand how issues are interconnected and understand that no answer is simple and straightforward. The 'sound bytes' should be teasers to get you to look deeper. Then when they really dig into the issues with an open mind I don't believe they could come to any other conclusion.

For us to consciously move in the direction we truly want to go, we must foster a sense of curiosity and compassion when it comes to political issues. The more that can be available on line the better and the more access and guidance we can provide to people the better. Information is power. Nothing is more valuable than the power to make informed decisions and participate in your government.

Aside from decision making (issues, political platforms, etc.) There are resources that can help people understand their surroundings and their situations so that they can be empowered to make changes in their personal lives. It is most unfortunate that the people who need it the most are the same people whose access is most limited. If there is ever an opportunity to change this truth I hope we take it.

To me, not providing all possible access to all people in our nation is a waste of national resources. People are our number one commodity - their hearts and minds, our most precious assets. Social or financial status doesn't determine human potential, but it sure does limit resources to realize that potential. This is like flushing opportunity down the toilet for our country and our world. If we can really inform people of their options and clear the path for our hidden geniuses to shine and provide a sense of efficacy via access to information I believe we can really make a difference in the world.

Yahoo Answers: Government Go there and see what your fellow citizens want to know about our government. Or ask questions that you have! Provide resources to people and get resources from people. :)

Don't forget that we aren't alone in the world and go learn about other countries at the CIA world factbook. Link to the websites of other countries to see world issues from their perspective.

Learn about conflict resolution efforts at ACR.

Ask yourself questions about why things are the way they are and seek out answers. No question is a stupid one and every opinion has validity and importance in some way for your understanding.

Everyone do your part in educating yourselves and setting an example ... eventually we'll reach critical mass. Then we will be the country that our founding fathers intended us to be. Don't'cha just wanna break into the national anthem now?? :)
Just in case you do - here is a link to the lyrics of all four stanzas!