Today, an article appeared in the New York Times on a protest being staged by conservatives against legislation proposed before Congress. “Kill the Bill,” was the refrain repeated over and over by protesters. These protesters are putting the philosophy of Politivote into action.

I have always heard that the lack of participation in politics by the citizens of this country is staggering. The space voter turn-out in elections has been seen as evidence of this political apathy. I am encouraged by the fact that people are being proactive by taking the time to make their voice heard in an issue that matters to them. I believe that this participation is evidence that people care about this country and about making a difference. While I might not agree with some of their opinions, the mere fact that they are willing to articulate them shows that citizens of this country are concerned. The worse thing you can do is to remain silent on issues that matter. This brings to mind a conversation I had with Nick (one of the founders of Politivote). He told me that he observed a gay and lesbian demonstration, and what impressed him about this demonstration was that the people did not feel they had a voice, and they wanted to make their voice heard. More and more, I have the impression that this is happening with the American people in general. There is a sense that the American people have been silent for so long, and now, they want their representatives to hear their voice.

Politivote has a role to play in the political awakening this country is experiencing. Not only do we provide an instrument to vote on the bills, we provide access to the bills themselves. People can go and read a bill and be informed in all the particulars of the bill and not have someone interpret it for them. This is another crucial component of democracy. Not only do the people have a voice, but it is an informed voice.

Source:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/on-the-hill-protesters-chant-kill-the-bill/#comment-52481