In a country
in which its citizens are so proud of their individual rights and freedoms, it
is expected that a movement such as E-democracy would grab the attention of
Americans. E-democracy or electric
democracy is used to enhance the democratic process by allowing internet users
to use their voice on various platforms to further communicate their views on
issues. It is important to understand that in America, one person is entitled
to one vote, and that this also includes the entitlement of one’s voice among
social or political issues.
By using the
internet, users may spread information, thoughts and ideas across the nation in
a healthy and empowering way. E-democracy also permits citizens to interact
with their local political leaders to help further understand their stance on
issues or to discuss other important matters. This is valuable for smaller
communities as they have use their voice on the internet and have an outlet to
talk about local news and political reform that only concerns them and their neighbors.
Trust and full support of the political leader in office is key for small
communities as well; if the people of a town do not agree with or understand
the policies put into place, e-democracy allows the beginning of that necessary
conversation for those people.
On October
25, 2010, an international conference in Poland housed by Poland’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the European Endowment for Democracy led the “Warsaw
Dialogue for Democracy” movement. This conference allowed a conversation among
political leaders from different countries such as Egypt, Libya and the US to
help spread the word on democracy and it’s benefits for human rights.
The minister
of Foreign Affairs in Poland, Radoslaw Sikorksi specifically spoke about the
benefits of democracy online and said, “…new communication technologies play an
increasingly important role in promoting democracy by helping societies
self-organize.”
I think
e-democracy is a growing movement in this digital age and it will become
increasingly more popular as people seek professional forums to share
information and learn more about policies in the US- instead of venting their
opinions on Facebook or another social media outlet where it doesn’t really
matter.
