by KD Zuppinger

Created on: November 19, 2008

The Barack Obama campaign showed an enormous amount of creativity and outreach during both the primary and general elections in getting millions of people involved in the political process. They did so by using and exploiting new technologies-primarily the Internet. Much of this same innovative thinking should and can be employed to help create a more transparent government once the Obama Administration takes office on January 20th.

In a recent interview Vernon Jordan, Jr. stated that "government is a responsive entity. In that it responds to trends and the needs of the people. It in itself is not a trend setter." What then are the needs of the American People? Do we want a more transparent government? If so we must first let our government know, and even demand it if it does not listen. And once we get its attention then we need to use all of the tools and resources that are available to us to dispense the information and open up the political arena.

This is includes but is not limited to: email, live streaming video of conference meetings, confirmation hearings, Senate and House debates, postings on social networking sites, twittering updates, RSS Feeds, Podcast, along with older mediums such as television and radio, and even newspapers (yes some people do still read news papers). And I would perhaps consider even using robo calls (to those that opt-in) to alert people when particular policy changes are in the pipeline, with information about where they could call in or log into to get more data. Lobbying should also be an open door process. These are only but a few ideas to start. And with the way technology is constantly changing there are bound to be more resources available for the Obama Administration to use to facilitate the goal of more transparency.

It would also be wise to tap into and maintain people on staff that are proficient in these given fields. That means employing and consulting with folks from a wide age range and different cultural perspectives. One way of communicating between a certain group might not be as effective in reaching other groups.

In a true Democracy there is nothing more exciting and necessary than an engage citizenry. As the Obama campaign demonstrated when you get people involved the whole process becomes more energetic. And I would argue-in the end-even more fair.

Promises are always easier to make than they are to keep. But like any relationship when both sides are willing to listen, to be heard, and to contribute-relationships where secrets are kept at a minimum-then the chances that those promises will turn into realities are not only possible but likely. To the Obama administration I say that the people have spoken, we want a more transparent government now you have the opportunity to respond. This article has given you a few ways to do that. If you have more-we are willing to listen.

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