There is an incredible sea change taking place in journalism and news. This revolution is a long overdue renaissance of a most important constitutional right of Freedom of the Press. To witness the vast number of websites and blogs where one can go to obtain alternative information is nothing short of amazing. Calling this transformation of news and viewpoint resources a paradigm shift in thinking in our country does not do justice to the depth and width of free speech in action today.
The true power of the written word is with no doubt on display. I always loved the axiom, “The pen is mightier than the sword” Such a beautiful exemplar of human nature.
News blogs opinion and research sites give readers of every stripe something they can identify with across the spectrum of information resources.
It is breath taking and fully encompasses the diversity of our society.
Traditionally how the news goes our nation goes, but in our times something unique is taking place. The very nature of the Internet gives everyone with access to a keyboard a voice. Sometimes it is like 2000 ants on a soapbox floating down the Potomac all trying to be heard at once. Seriously never before on a national level has anything like what we are witnessing and taking part in has happened. How do you define the impact and effect of this super highway of information and exchange of ideas?
Wow.
Is it safe to contend this input from so many aspects of our society has had an affect on the political horizon?
I think so. I think we are witnessing only the beginning of a new way of doing government. It gives this writer great pride and joy in being a part of my country’s direction. I can cruise any time as long as I whish on my terms all over the Web and find a mind-boggling array of information in a myriad of formats. I can formulate my viewpoint on my terms to my preference, then in return if I do choose to voice my 2 cents worth. This is revolutionary my friends. One person can have a say in the public forum of events and reach millions of brothers and sisters, political leaders across every party, the judicial and executive branches of government, science and business, education and entertainment, religion and medicine!
The term “double edged sword” can be attributed directly to the open nature of the World Wide Web. It is built in natural self-regulation.
The term “gone viral” is rich in implication of how one word thought sentence by one person has the ability to dramatically affect thinking and change in the arena of our lives and society.
Knowledge is power, power of the written word, power to define ones life, power to affect change, power to enlighten and be enlightened.
Power to vote both with ones conscience and values in the public forum and constitutionally validate these things on Election Day.
It is Triumph of Liberty Freedom and Self Determination.
Now that is a mandate you can believe in.
Douglas Cook can be reached at: dougsharon@hughes.net
