Public Service

U.S. News and World Report has a new issue out that examines public service, a topic which we should focus on more often than we do. One of the essays is by former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and it has some excellent points.

"Democracies and institutions of self-governance work because of responsible citizenship. Politics is the framework and elections the process that democracies use to choose leaders. The quality of leaders and effectiveness of government are directly related to informed and committed citizens willing to participate in politics. We draw from this universe those willing to offer themselves as candidates for elective office. Elections have consequences because they produce the leaders who shape the policies that govern a democracy. Politics reflects society. Every variation of public service, including elective office, should be anchored by one complete and overriding truth and objective—to make a better world. Political office is but one way to work toward this end and offer oneself in its service.

Politics is a noble endeavor—only if it is about public service. I often tell bright young people who seek my advice on running for office: Consider it only for the right reasons and understand it will be frustrating, often unfair and negative, occasionally brutal, but always exhilarating as well as enriching, rewarding, and worth doing."

Something to think about as we the voters have decisions to make a week from now at the polls.

OSTP - Civic participation

The Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) is looking for input on civic participation and how it can be strengthened.

How You Can Help

As we seek to identify immediate policy changes that will promote greater civic participation, we need to know from you:

1. What is the appropriate and most effective role for the government to play in fostering greater civic participation? Should the government develop content, fund the work of organizations that teach civic education, establish platforms to connect communities to each other and to government?
2. Do you know of best practices, whether from local, state or foreign governments, or foundations that foster and support civic participation? What are the most effective tools to get people to participate?
3. What skills and subject areas are the most important for civic literacy today? How do we promote the kind of civic education necessary to enable people to make greater use of government data, like the information available on Data.gov, or participate in online commenting processes, like this one or regulations.gov?

Take a look at the OSTP blog and weigh in on the conversation.

Early Votiong in Missouri

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published an editorial this week ("Missouri's Late Coming to Early Voting") that I agreed with. I believe it is the duty of every citizen in a democracy to participate in government and voting is the easiest way to do that. Efforts to improve voter turnout (and voter registration and education) are important, and early voting would be beneficial to democracy in Missouri. This past election I was out of town on election day and voted absentee for the first time. It was a great experience because I could take my time and research each race I was unfamiliar with as I filled out my ballot, something that most people will not do when they vote at the polls.

I would encourage everyone in Missouri to read the editorial and to support the proposed legislation.