Our government is, in theory, quite simple: we elect representatives to serve our needs. In reality it is very intricate and complicated. If you want something done, you must go through a large bureaucracy which filters through the publics many demands, it takes vast sums of time in order to get something accomplished. This rocky process applies at most levels of government, from the De Anza Associated Student Body to the United States Congress.

Legislation through democracy, our law-making process, was designed so actions take time to evaluate and finalize. This makes certain that one faction of Congress doesn’t have too much control and creates widespread corruption.

“A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives,” said James Madison in 1822.

The words were spoken over 150 years ago. Today’s translation: use the power of technology to advance the way our government operates, hopefully in a faster method.

The Council for Excellence in Government released a plan recently that calls for “achieving full electronic government in the United States,” which they say will be “a breakthrough comparable in impact to the invention of the printing press.”

New technology is beholden to old politics and power structures, just like the old technology.

Government should utilize technology and innovation to better the public’s involvement in politics. Madison’s ancient quote applies to a theory that government needs to be a leader in showing knowledge, incorporating the power of modern technology into the world of government.

Congressional voting records and government contracts need to be available online.

Privacy, taxation, bringing Internet into classrooms, unsolicited e-mail advertisements, and online gambling are just some of the issues that Congress is considering passing legislation to control regarding the Internet.

Citizens could review legislative records concerning defense, natural resources, medical research, consulting, subsidy, giveaways and other important issues through the Internet.

Each member of the Senate and the House has a Web site.

Senators and representatives should put their voting record on legislation on their Web sites. Instead of having to rely on their rhetorical gibberish, you could view the way they voted on recent legislation to determine where your vote may go and what issues they really do support and/or oppose.

With our own DASB elections coming up next quarter, it would be logical to utilize an Internet voting poll, so more students will vote.

Technology should be used in ways that would benefit the publics right to knowledge.