NK is down with Senor Lessig

“Who can change congress?” “We can” “No way” “I hate Clinton” “Obama’s youtube video sucks” “Can you please pass that yummy custard??”

This was the tone of the conversation that was taking place moments after our friends exchanged vows a few weeks ago. Instead of rejoicing in the hope we just witnessed, we were mired in political frustration and in my case, total apathy.

But thank god there are some people who don’t think it’s hopeless. Meet Lawrence Lessig. He’s taken on the challenge to help develop a system where congress is actually accountable for their funding and in turn their actions. Gulp.

Change Congress is “a national movement to end corruption in America’s congress.”

Senor Lessig took a very “DUH” approach in how to make congress more responsible for their actions. He simply helps put a spotlight on their actions and intentions, internet style. Double gulp.

Each congressional leader is asked to create a very simple online pledge that will either “Yay” or “Nay” their interests and put them on a map. Here are some questions they can answer:

* Refuses PAC money
* Refuses lobbyist money
* Supports abolishing earmarks
* Supports Congressional transparency
* Supports publicly-financed campaigns

And…if they don’t sign a pledge, they just end up looking shady. Brilliant!

This is the kind of accountability that has been missing from congress…and with the democracy of the Internet there is actually some hope for our very own democracy.

Please read the “about” section for a more detailed description of pledge questions.

The idea has been born and the system is in place. Now, we must seed this for the accountability to be real.

And you can also sign your very own pledge as a citizen. You can be responsible in a real way…yea, YOU (and me too...). Here's my pledge (click on it!):



My famous excuse to explain my political apathy is now rendered obsolete.."I don't care because I don't know what's really going on behind the scenes."

The curtains have been drawn. Now can you please pass me the custard??