It’s virtually impossible to remain neutral among varied political views. It is polarizing among readership, leadership, viewership, polls and family conversations around the dinner table or a beer at a local pub. I am all for increasing the ease of information flow regarding political people, parties, situations, elections and anything else that ushers in our future as America.
Robert Scoble posted about John Edwards and “You” politics. This is an obvious fetching of the headline that Time made “You” the person of the year for 2006. I like that take. I think more informed citizens and voters will make America stronger, and will make great strides towards improving things that need improving. And, I say all that without voicing my opinions or polarization for or against any Presidential candidates.
Much like blogging has changed the way business communicates and has changed the ability to reach and communicate with key people and get valuable feedback to make results happen, I think openness will affect politics. Using wikis and blogs and video blogs and hearing the voice of the candidates greatly increases the smartness of us as citizens. We need to be aware, but we need to not just be aware. We need to quell our highly critical and highly criticism laden escapades. Yeah, that’s verbatious for saying we need to quit our bitching!
We need to focus on listening. Then we need to focus on making some decisions and being leaders. Then we need to focus on packaging our message and being aware of perspectives (regardless of their rightness or wrongness). Then we need to adjust and listen more. Then rinse and repeat.
In my opinion, that’s what we need in our political system. That’s why I think it’s a very good thing to get tech savvy communicators to be involved in educating and reporting and facilitating conversation. It will help and improve our system – regardless of the political bent or party it favors.
Filed under: Blogging, Ideas, Leadership, Listening, Perspective
Listening and observing is often the forgotten thing. But sometimes you do still need to shout and complain. The internet also gives a genuine voice and room for debate for people with more alternative viewpoints. Some of these may be ‘bad’ viewpoints, but the fact that everybody has a voice is what matters. Things need to be discussed. In fact I hate the fact that these groups often end up dividing and forming rather militant groups oppressing free expression within the minority view being represented. The Ideologies become fixed upon a consensus that isn’t always a real consensus. This bothers me. Still…at least people are talking….but yes…you’re right…listening is probably twice as important. There’s some great thoughts out there if you just open your head to them.
That’s my tuppence…sorry if its a bit long and rambly random