rebooting america

Everything needs to be upgraded ever so often... but does it also apply to the United States Government? "Rebooting America: Ideas for Redesigning American Democracy for the Internet Age" is a collection of more than forty essays from forty political thinkers with the overall idea that it may be time to revamp the fundamentals of our government. Arguing that in 1787 our founding fathers had no concept of what the Nation would become two hundred and some decades later, it's an intriguing and interesting concept. "Rebooting America" is a good read for anyone who's looking for alternative solution's to the country's problems.

I was reminded of that quote repeatedly as I consumed and absorbed this mind-expanding range of essays. This is a collection that is not only elucidating (about a broad array of subjects from all things technology to a crash-course on the Founding Fathers and their era), but also prescient and surprisingly witty. Some of the ideas are far-fetched, some will be objectionable, some are visionary and futuristic, some are already underway (or certainly should be), some are so-obvious-why-isn't-anybody-already-doing-this and all are motivational or provocative, and often both. This book should be mandatory reading for every elected representative (an expression and a concept you may feel is already antiquated after reading these essays) before their first day in office. In fact, we would be in a far better place if it were read by every member of the electorate also! My only issue with the book was the frustration it engendered as I realized that I can't personally adopt (or even remember!) all of these new ideas, new paths and, indeed, 21st century ways of improving our selves, our communities and our shared society. Fortunately, though, we can all take great comfort - and inspiration - from seeing that there are so many people who are truly building a bridge between the best and lasting achievements of American democracy and the vast range of future, and imagined, possibilities. This is a collection that I am looking forward to re-reading as new technologies and applications continue to evolve.