I rant, I know it, and lucky for me, people are reading! How are people reading my rants? As individuals surf the Internet, in spare time or in times of research/procrastination/boredom/etc, stuff that I write pops up. Some learn, some comment, some dismiss. All possibilities increase dialog. Now let’s extend that. As the President randomly clicks through cyberspace, he/she can reconnect with the public or gage the reactions to the latest news (like Sarah Palin’s 17 year old daughter being pregnant and marrying the father- super barf) much more easily if he/she is actually able to use the internet than if this individual in unable to use the internet. An overly simplistic argument, perhaps, but an important one even today. The contrapositive of that is if a President cannot use the internet than he or is absolutely cannot gage the public reaction to news (like Sarah Palin’s 17 year old daughter being pregnant and marrying the father) or reconnect with the public. (See those positive And statements being turned in the negative OR statements? 10 points if you can guess what I’m up to in my free time…) Cybersurfing could happen during the President’s 5 minutes of free time between important strategy meetings where intelligent people come up with solutions to American problems and world issues.
With these premises laid out, I am ready to make the ultimate pronouncement: The President of the United States of America MUST, under no uncertain terms or any exceptions, know how to use email and surf the web. Period. End of discussion.
I need to believe that the online community’s contribution isn’t just for our own enjoyment and edification. There is a point to what we do. For example, bloggers covered the Democratic National Convention! There was an entire tent for them to work and connect and type and get drunk. The democrats respect, utilize, contribute and immerse themselves in the possibilities of the world wide connections made possible by the web. They pick on the biggest brains to help them group all of the littlest ideas (5$ ideas) into one giant bank account and made a presidential nomination possible. That’s taking the law of big numbers and running with it.
One guess at which Presidential nominee at age 70+ has just decided to learn how to use email.
PS: I’m not going to capitalize the I in internet because it’s for everyone.
PPS: Internet neutrality is a whole other topic. We might even get into it later but I have too many topics on my plate at the moment.
PPPS: Yes we can! Say it loud! I email and I’m proud. No Way No How No McCain
