At 06:31 PM 03/10/2002 -0600, you wrote: >Doug Grow asks the question: does Minneapolis-Issues have elected >officials wrapped around its virtual finger? A source for "e-mail >demagoguery?" > >Barb Johnson provides ignition, DQ provides the fuel...who knows where >it will land! > >I do think this is a watershed of sorts, and could prompt an interesting >discussion of how influential the list really is, and whether that's a >good thing... > >http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1922367.html > >David Brauer >List manager >(I feel a little like Dr. Frankenstein right now!)
Interesting article, David. Personally I think it IS a good thing that the Minneapolis Issues list is becoming more powerful. The 800 people who are on the list -- and the fact that it's increased from around 200 to 800 in the last 3-4 years also shows increased citizen participation and civic awareness. Most people can't spend their time going to the city council meeting, and lobbying council meetings -- and having this vehicle is a good thing that way. I thought the DQ decision by the Park Board WAS rather wacky, and rather typical Minneapolis wacky. I didn't like the anti-business attitude that was behind much of that. However, I can't blame that on this list. There are a number of conservative voices on this list also. The most organized group of conservative voices on this list are the property rights folks, but there are many others. Is there demogogery on this list? Oh sure, that goes with politics -- but is Johnson and other list critics trying to say that elected officials don't engage in lots of demogogery? Lists like these are much better than talk radio. Talk about sound bites and demogogery. Eva Eva Young Central Neighborhood Minneapolis "You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be." --Article II of the Bill of Non-Rights. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
