globalbriefs
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to
work together in building a healthier, stronger society
that works for all.
e-Democracy
Citizens Have a Say at Change.gov
Although Barack Obama’s isn’t the first online presi-
dency, it promises to provide the most lively partner-
ship with citizens seeking real interactivity. During the
Obama campaign, “When people commented on
something, they saw things happen,” says
Gary Bass, executive director of OMB
Eco-Crime Stoppers
Watch, a nonprofit promoting govern-
It’s Now Easier to Report
ment accountability and transparency.
Environmental Violators
“That’s what the people are expecting the president
The Environmental Protection Agency
to do now.”
(EPA) has launched a new Web tool
Engaged citizens who want to render an opinion about what’s right or wrong
that assists law enforcement agencies
with government, share an idea or join in the discussion, simply click on “Submit
and the general public in finding fugi-
a Story” or “Join the Discussion” at Change.gov. The website exemplifies how
tives who have violated environmental
President Obama intends to harness technology to create a cutting-edge, partici-
laws. The site provides photos of eco-
patory democracy, similar to the way he used Internet connectivity to transform
criminals captured and still at large,
campaigning.
together with pertinent information.
The idea is premised on the digital world’s potential to make the country one
Examples of reported violations include
large, cyber-town-hall meeting. Ideally, every citizen will have a window into the
discharging pollutants into water and
workings of government and an opportunity to tell elected leaders what they think
air, smuggling ozone-depleting sub-
of it. The move inherently requires federal employees across agencies to alter the
stances, laundering money and illegally
way they operate.
disposing of hazardous waste.
“It’s a radical change,” says Art Schwartz, vice president of the Center for
The EPA website provides an easy-
Democracy and Technology. “But it’s in line with the way our government is sup-
to-use Report a Fugitive form that goes
posed to work.”
straight to the organization’s national
criminal investigation office in Wash-
Source: The Christian Science Monitor.
ington, D.C. Information also can be
reported through local police stations
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself.
or U.S. embassies. Tips may be made
anonymously.
Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.
Visit epa.gov/fugitives/report-location-
—Wayne Dyer
form.html.
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