How You Can Change the Law from Your Computer

The Democratization of Lawmaking: A New Era of Direct Participation

Over the weekend, a word spread on Reddit that a group of users were crafting their own law to be potentially put forth as a bill that could then eventually become a law over citizens' rights to the internet and accessing the internet and what they could do on the internet and their rights really. This law or potential law was being drafted in real-time by redditors from around the world, with it available on Google Docs for people to view as changes were being made. It was truly spectacular to see something like that happening.

The idea of creating a new law through direct participation is not new, but what makes this particular instance remarkable is that it's happening in real-time, without the need for traditional political channels. This raises an interesting question: why can't we use the internet to have our voices heard, beyond just voting? The creator of this law, which has been dubbed "the Reddit Law," aims to give citizens a direct say in how they want their rights protected online.

This concept is not isolated; there are several other initiatives working towards similar goals. One such project is the Internet Blueprint Project, aimed at giving American internet users a political voice. Another example is Public Knowledge, an organization fighting for consumers' rights, which has been instrumental in supporting this kind of grassroots effort. It's clear that these projects share a common goal: to empower citizens and give them a direct say in how their rights are protected.

The implications of such initiatives are profound. Imagine being able to know the true sentiment of your community in real-time, without having to wait for something to go up for a vote. This is what makes this project so exciting – it's not just about giving citizens a voice; it's also about giving them control over how their rights are protected.

Of course, there will be those who disagree with this approach. Some might argue that traditional democratic processes are necessary for ensuring accountability and representation. But the argument is that these processes can be slow and cumbersome, often taking years to result in meaningful change. By using the internet as a platform for direct participation, we can potentially speed up the process and ensure that citizens' voices are heard more quickly.

The creator of this project is grateful for the support of friends like Art Brodsky, who has been instrumental in promoting these initiatives. Public Knowledge is another organization that shares this vision, working tirelessly to fight for consumers' rights and promote a more democratic internet.

As the future of lawmaking becomes increasingly digital, it's clear that this is not just a novelty; it's a fundamental shift in how we approach governance. Instead of relying on elected officials to make decisions on our behalf, we're taking matters into our own hands. This may seem like a radical idea, but it's also incredibly empowering – who wouldn't want to be able to participate directly in shaping the laws that affect their lives?