SmithEllis.Com

I was just thinking about the information highway and it’s impacts on politics. Things certainly have changed in the world, but our politicians haven’t been agile in their reactions.

There was a time when the ‘campaign trail’ meant a great deal. The only way you ever heard about a politician was if he/she came to your town, or if the newspapers passed some information your way. Now, you can hear about any of them all day long.

An interesting effect of this is that the political agenda of the newspapers has become more and more evident. Suddenly, you really can get all the news (if you try), and piece together a much more honest picture of what goes on.

Also, you form communities online that share your political agenda. Whereas historically, people were more apt to keep their politics to themselves — now they share their thoughts with millions of other like minded people. This community, I think, helps cement people to a party or ideal.

Anyway, someone should write a thesis.