Writing Assignment 9- Politics

Blogging has steadily become popular, although a blog wasn't always necessarily known in the format we know it today. Similar to blogs were Usenet, commercial online services such as GEnie, BiX and the early CompuServe, e-mail lists and Bulletin Board Systems(Wikipedia). By the mid 1990’s blogging seemed more like an online journal. Soon by early 2000’s blogs become more about politics. Blogging allowed politicians and political candidates a way to express their opinions on war and other important issues. By 2004, “the role of blogs became increasingly mainstream, as political consultants, news services and candidates began using them as tools for outreach and forming” (Wikipedia).Blogging may also be seen as a means of "getting around the filter" and pushing messages directly to the public. Politicians who use internet technology are able to reach out to their supports. The internet allows for people to have social debates online regarding their views and while also learning more about their favorite politician. The internet simply provides an alternative way for people to get involved in their nations politics.



Some are asking “Does the internet create Democracy?” Communication technology is continuing to develop and improve; the internet for example has helped to expand knowledge and freedom, democratizes culture (Thornton, 2002). I believe along with many others that the internet is doing just that, helping to create a more democratic nation as well as maintain what democracy we have left. One individual who is a small part of creating Democracy via internet is Elizabeth Benjamin, a citizen blogger. Benjamin has created a blog on NYDailyNews.com, called The Daily Politics based on the New York’s political scene. She simply provides information to the readers, allowing the readers to comment and voice their opinion. The internet allows citizens both internal resources for participation in political discourse as well as external resources in order to give voice to their opinions (Thornton, 2002). The site officially began on April 4, 2006. Her most recent blog is called Ron Paul Flies First in NY, featuring information about the ‘libertarian-leaning Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, an anti-Iraq War congressman” and his trip to Albany trip along with his conclusion with stop in New York, where Paul also included several NYC fundraisers.


The quality of the blog “Ron Paul Flies First in NY” is mainly objective. It discusses Ron Paul’s campaign and him trying to be placed on the ballet. Several people have even written comments about the blog, illustrating their support for Ron Paul even by going as far as saying “Dr. Ron, we patriots, are behind you” (nydailynews.com). One person who comments on the blog is clear with his opinion of the internet has helped and what it has done towards politics, he states “Ahhhh, media coverage the way it should be: just the facts, AND printing a useful photo sent in by a Johnny-on-the-spot, AND even a link to dailypaul.com” (nydailynews.com)! Other’s who have commented on the blog are simply making corrections, while also sharing the information they have learned. Internet technology has certainly helped in creating and/or maintaining democracy. Blogging and other forms of online communication allow individuals, whether they are supports or not, a chance to voice their opinions and be heard, as well as know the truth. The internet has helped create a link between politicians and the people. People are no longer in the dark and have a way to learn the truth.

Thornton, A. (2002). Does Internet Create Democracy? Retrieved October 23, 2007 from http://www.ublearns.buffalo.edu/com125

Benjamin, E. (2007). Ron Paul Files 1st in NY. The Daily News. Retrieved October 23, 2007 from http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/10/ron_paul_files_first_in_ny.html