Cutline Speaks

Living in Washington, D.C. gives me a unique (and some would say jaded) perspective on our political system.  Since I've been working here, we've been through four presidential terms, and during that time, tragedy, triumph, and far too many scandals have marked the city.  Cynicism and division often define D.C., and for very good reason, but today is different.  

There are many, many reasons this is a historic day. I won't dare try to document them all here, but for me, and for millions of Americans like me, it is quite simply because we've been reengaged in our political process.  While I'm still very skeptical of political maneuvering and motivation, I believe that for once we have a leader in office who not only wants to hear from Americans but is actually trying to put in place the processes to hear from Americans. Very different propositions.

Clearly, technology plays a significant role.  From Obama's determination to keep his Blackberry to the launch of the White House’s new blog today, Obama has shown he gets technology.  It was a significant part of his campaign and now I hope his presidency. It won't be easy though. As Wired said yesterday: "...turning his innovative campaign and transition into Government 2.0 won't be easy. The nimble Obama startup is about to be absorbed into a stodgy, technologically backward behemoth: the federal government."

Let's hope that this won't be the case and that the government and the people of America embrace this change and become a model for future generations and for countries all over the world. Today, whether you are Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you have a voice, and technology can help you make that voice heard.