Comments for How Canadians Reclaimed the Public Interest on Digital Policy at http://www.michaelgeist.ca , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.michaelgeist.ca Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:30:02 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/6691/135/#comment-49579 Dear Mr. Geist, I'm not familiar with your work but it seems strange to write this article without actually acknowledging the group that ran the campaign or its name, no? Best, Laura Cornish - Laura Cornish Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:09:14 +0100 http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/6691/135/#comment-49525 For me the best thing on this issue over the last five years is democracy actually seemed somewhat to actually work! We live in a jaded age where the voting rate has been in a continual decline as people saw it to be meaningless to their daily lives. Recently, I don't think there has been a more obvious example of the public influencing change in government policies than in the sphere of digital issues. In the US it was SOPA, the EU was ACTA and Canada Bill C-30. Not only have these poorly drafted laws been neutralized, but new legislative endeavors seem to have 'seen the light' or at least seen the flames. As mentioned in the article, digital issues today have finally moved into the public consciousness to the point where it is felt in the halls of power. The benefits of catering to corporate interests is now looking paler than to public opinion and the impact on the ballot box. The cynical view is that its all about politicians keeping their jobs, but sadly that is how our system of government works. While imperfect, it does eventually bring change in policy and direction. With the digital realm (for good or for bad) becoming more of an integral part of our lives, I am hopeful that these issues will remain front & center. Finally, is the public always right? Does popular policy make good policy? Certainly not always, but in this instance its at least a move in a direction that has for too long gone the other way. Hopefully a more open & inclusive dialogue will bring about more equitable fairness for all. - Crockett Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:14:54 +0100