New Yankton, New Media, New Politics

...or is it a return to old politics?

The Yankton Press and Dakotan reports this morning that citizens displeased with Yankton's city government have filed petitions calling for the recall of Mayor Curt Bernard and Commissioner Dan Rupiper [Nathan Johnson, "Recall Petitions Filed," Yankton Press and Dakotan, 2007.10.30]. Recall drivers Kevin Culhane, Mike Freeman, Jay Gravholt, Ben Hanten, and Cory Nelson started their drive two weeks ago, following the resignation (forced by the commission, says Freeman) of City Manager Jeff Weldon. They needed 1,258 signatures; yesterday they filed petitions with over 1,400, and they say they can get more if they need them.

Not on the ground in Yankton, the Madville Times is not well-positioned to comment on the merits or conduct of the campaign. What does interest this doctoral student in Information Systems, and what should interest all South Dakotans, is the concerted application of Internet technology to this local political effort. From the beginning of their campaign, the petitioners have used blog technology to keep petition circulators and the general public informed. For the cost of a domain name and some web hosting (maybe $50-$70 for a year?), the New Yankton group is able to produce campaign propaganda, instant updates, responses to opponents, and practical campaign information that can reach a majority of Yankton voters in their homes.

The opponents get to take advantage of the new media as well. On the community blog site sponsored by the Press and Dakotan, an individual going by the handle "Reifelman" (identified by Dakota War College as former Rapid City councilman Mike Schumacher) has his own running criticism of the recall campaign and, distressingly, the recallers themselves. Psuedonymity and ad hominem attacks don't say much for a participant in the political process, but even this online opposition effort demonstrates the potential for individuals to make their voices heard in the new world of online politics.

But is this a new world, or are blogs and other online technologies returning us to the old world of politics at the personal level? Maybe the Internet forum is really a return to the town hall meeting or the old agora of Athenian democracy. The Internet certainly makes it easier for our Socrateses (oh, such an ungainly plural!) to pose their uncomfortable questions and spark discussion in the marketplace. Blogging is still not as cheap as strapping on the toga and sandals and strolling beneath the Acropolis (not as scenic, either). Participants still need a computer and Internet access, but that price of entry into the marketplace of ideas is still much cheaper than any of the other media that tie our sprawling republic together. Rich guys still have an advantage -- they always will -- but blogs and other Net tools help bring political do-it-yourselfers back into the game known as democracy.

If nothing else, the New Yanktonians are making clear that the government doesn't have to be them. The government is us*. You just have to speak up and be a part of the process. As the New Yanktonians and Jon Lauck will attest, blogs are becoming a useful part of that participatory democracy.

*Yes, yes, proper grammar demands, "The government is not they, it is we." But without the ending consonants, it just doesn't sound as good. But hey, that's just me.