This has been talked about for awhile actually and it's really scary. If the checks and balances on government (read corporate) power have been diminished, then we can expect it to push ever further past limits previously expected. While this might occasionally lead to fewer but more dramatic outbursts of civil discontent, it could also lead to nightmare scenarios if certain interests proceed at a pace that falls below the threshold necessary for united public action. Very scary indeed.
Suppose we voted in two different ways at the same time. The normal way, and by secretly delegating our vote to someone else; anyone we knew personally who was also registered to vote. We could then get the results of both ways, even though the normal way would be the only one legally binding. But we would get to find out something interesting. I think we'd be better voters if the challenge we faced was only to find someone we knew who could do a better job of representing our interests.
I think he's right in a sense, although I think the contact offered by the internet allows people to change each other's minds more smoothly than rampant activism does.
Interesting idea, but other then his 'gut' feeling, does he have any data to show it? I would argue that the organizing ability of the internet and blogs are not a good thing for totalitarian governments (far outweighing any pressure valve effect).
@robzrob Exactly. If people wake up and stop working for these crooks, their scam will all fall apart. Money will be tough but time to enjoy life has no value.
Silly point really, getting together and ranting about your problems at a bunch of other people in real life is about as effective as doing it on the internet, only the internet allows you to more easily reach a larger audience. Protests and petitions dont do all that much (Say, the largest protests ever being staged before the iraq war- it didnt stop it).
@Saktoth You should also state the factor that people on the internet say things more freely, and often will discourage activism, really would you see a protester and tell him how annoying he is, and what his issues are.
@tHecOmMeNtErSrEtUrN So free speech and association is a load of garbage to you then? This point is silly. Very silly. It is a truth, but what are you going to do about it? That is the question. You can either roll over, not care or keep trying to force everyone to follow your own perception of what should be. It's your choice in the end. Did I just reveal you?
He makes a very strong point. We are able to release our tension on an issue on our computers than actually getting the chance to contact our congressmen or congresswomen and finding people in the local area that agree about the problem.
This has been talked about for awhile actually and it's really scary. If the checks and balances on government (read corporate) power have been diminished, then we can expect it to push ever further past limits previously expected. While this might occasionally lead to fewer but more dramatic outbursts of civil discontent, it could also lead to nightmare scenarios if certain interests proceed at a pace that falls below the threshold necessary for united public action. Very scary indeed.
hasatum 1 year ago
I love Frenchies Mustard
suroj 1 year ago
Suppose we voted in two different ways at the same time. The normal way, and by secretly delegating our vote to someone else; anyone we knew personally who was also registered to vote. We could then get the results of both ways, even though the normal way would be the only one legally binding. But we would get to find out something interesting. I think we'd be better voters if the challenge we faced was only to find someone we knew who could do a better job of representing our interests.
ananiasacts 1 year ago
I think he's right in a sense, although I think the contact offered by the internet allows people to change each other's minds more smoothly than rampant activism does.
Shalek 1 year ago
Interesting idea, but other then his 'gut' feeling, does he have any data to show it? I would argue that the organizing ability of the internet and blogs are not a good thing for totalitarian governments (far outweighing any pressure valve effect).
TheVigilante2000 1 year ago
Hopefully the internet encourages INactivism, ie non-participation in anything at all related to government.
robzrob 1 year ago
@robzrob Exactly. If people wake up and stop working for these crooks, their scam will all fall apart. Money will be tough but time to enjoy life has no value.
MilanTbay 1 year ago
@robzrob True dat :).
Shalek 1 year ago
That is a interesting concept, I mean there must be several groups supporting the same things, but they rarely combine.
tHecOmMeNtErSrEtUrN 1 year ago
Silly point really, getting together and ranting about your problems at a bunch of other people in real life is about as effective as doing it on the internet, only the internet allows you to more easily reach a larger audience. Protests and petitions dont do all that much (Say, the largest protests ever being staged before the iraq war- it didnt stop it).
Saktoth 1 year ago 9
@Saktoth You should also state the factor that people on the internet say things more freely, and often will discourage activism, really would you see a protester and tell him how annoying he is, and what his issues are.
tHecOmMeNtErSrEtUrN 1 year ago
@tHecOmMeNtErSrEtUrN So free speech and association is a load of garbage to you then? This point is silly. Very silly. It is a truth, but what are you going to do about it? That is the question. You can either roll over, not care or keep trying to force everyone to follow your own perception of what should be. It's your choice in the end. Did I just reveal you?
LyncisAlsciaukat 1 year ago
@Saktoth Yes but people who are saying you are stupids are more likely to talk against you since there is not social dilemma.
tHecOmMeNtErSrEtUrN 1 year ago
He makes a very strong point. We are able to release our tension on an issue on our computers than actually getting the chance to contact our congressmen or congresswomen and finding people in the local area that agree about the problem.
Luinreg 1 year ago