The Pew Internet & American Life Project just released a report about how involved we, voters, expect to be, beginning January 20, 2009. According to the report, voters expect direct contact from the Obama administration. Those surveyed also plan to work to support Obama’s policies and to persuade others to support the new president.
Congratulations and welcome to those new to the democratic process. For us returners, isn’t this process of persuasion and involvement something that we should have always done? Haven’t we been doing this for some time? Should this report be a news item? Why? Is this a survey about engagement for a better country or about support for the Obama team?
Is there truly a different tone and mood in the country or are we just starved for new blood in D.C.? If there is a change in attitude, what explains it? Do you sense something different? Are you about to join this new citizens’ movement and remain engaged as a good citizen? Why? Why not? And, if so, why now? Is your new year’s resolution to get involved in politics and public policy?
Are the folks responding to the Pew survey ready to prize and hold their country dear? Are they willing to commit themselves, without self indulgence, to the better-making of the women and men of this country and our collective concerns? Or, are they simply in love with President-Elect Obama? What do we believe?
Is this report about history foretold or just more of the same?
(Photo from Stephane Dunn’s Cool Like Obama, News One for Black America)
