Pubdate: Mon, 03 Jul 2000
Source: Oregonian, The (OR)
Copyright: 2000 The Oregonian
Contact:  1320 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
Fax: 503-294-4193
Website: http://www.oregonlive.com/
Forum: http://forums.oregonlive.com/
Author: J. Colman-Pinning
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n894/a09.html

INTERNET STIMULATES DEMOCRACY

Regarding "Can initiatives include digital signatures?" (June 28), if 
digital signatures are legally binding on documents used in commerce and 
government, then it follows that they would be sufficient for initiative 
petitions and for voting.

Our society mythologizes democracy and freedom, yet a high percentage of 
eligible citizens do not vote.

Internet-enabled devices provide citizens an immediate way to be aware of 
political issues and to participate in decisions by exercising their 
freedom of speech and by voting. The Internet allows the possibility of 
true participatory democracy.

J. Colman-Pinning, Waldport
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D