I’m in New York City for the Personal Democracy Forum, hobnobbing it with Internet and politics geeks influentials. We’re discussing the role that the Internet plays in personalizing democracy, engaging citizens in the political debate and making government more transparent through the sharing of records and information.
Aside from its similarity to Christmas morning with new gadgets and gizmos abound, it’s a fascinating look into the amazing work being done by a number of groups and individuals. Some are unknown outside of the community, but all are shaping the political debate in the mainstream through one channel or another.
We’ve had an appearance by John and Elizabeth Edwards, been lectured by Larry Lessig, witnessed a verbal beatdown of McCain’s Internet skills, evangelized with Vint Cerf, surfed for furniture with Craig Newmark and battled the MSM with Ariana Huffington.
It’s two days of intensity at the grand Jazz @ Lincoln Center, overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park. I’m happy to be here and loving NYC.
photo by philhawksworth