Getting Even And Doing Something

The Internet has changed the way we do a lot of things, from buying cars and books to keeping in touch with friends. One thing that was made clear to me when I read Clay Shirky’s Here Comes Everybody is how the Internet has lowered the barrier to entry and participation and made it so much easier not only for activists, but for would be activists.

Last night we had a textbook example of that phenomena in action. No sooner did Congressman Joe Wilson finish his outburst than did the wheels of Internet activism start turning. Within minutes of identifying the guilty party, his 2008 and presumptive 2010 opponent was identified.  Plans were hatched on Twitter and the left wing blogosphere And through the platform provided by Act Blue, since last night Rob Miller, Wilson’s opponent, has raised nearly $800,000, one quarter of that from folks who found the link to Act Blue through Daily Kos alone.

Only a few short years ago, contributing to a political campaign involved writing a check, getting an envelope and walking to the mailbox. Getting involved as a volunteer meant you had to first find the campaign office, get there, find the campaign coordinator, etc. etc. etc.  Forget even trying to build a movement, you would need an office and telephone for that. Now we have a million strands of connectivity and when something happens like last night, activists find each other and … act.

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