Internet Fosters Local Political Movements
by Ron Fournier


Frustrated by government and empowered by technology, Americans are filling needs and fighting causes through grass-roots organizations they built themselves — some sophisticated, others quaintly ad hoc. This is the era of people-driven politics.

From a homemaker-turned-kingmaker in Pittsburgh to dog owners in New York to a "gym rat" here in southwest Florida, people are using the Internet to do what politicians can't — or won't — do.

This is their story, but it's also an American story because ordinary folks are doing the extraordinary to find people with similar interests, organize them and create causes and connections.

"People are just beginning to realize how much power they have," said Chris Kofinis, a Democratic consultant who specializes in grass-roots organizing via the Internet.

"At a time when we are craving community and meaning in our lives, people are using these technologies to find others with the same complaints and organize them," he said. "They don't have to just sit in a coffee shop and gripe about politics. They can change politics."

Mary Shull changed her life, if not politics.

A lonely and frustrated liberal, the stay-at-home mother of two joined the liberal online group MoveOn.org in 2004. Working from home, the Pittsburgh woman helped round up votes for presidential candidate John Kerry and other Democrats. On Election Day, Kerry prevailed in Pennsylvania, but failed to unseat President Bush

link

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1226-06.htm

CP

Good article! We've come a long way at the grassroots level...now the powers that be have to listen to, 'we the people.' IMO, most were surprised during the '04 campaign. They knew we existed, but not completely aware of how organized we were. Grassroots, now a powerful voice.

Good article P. Still can't read your sig though.

You are a fan of Big Eddie as well? Very cool show.

Tank

Hello Tank,

Sorry it took me so long to respond. Just getting back off Holiday vacation.

But I think you will be able to eventually read my sig. LOL!!

Just keep working at it.

Thank again Tank!

Always good to hear from you.

CP