WWW.CHANGE.GOV: Virtual Office of President Elect Barack Obama

This article started out as my way of tracking the plans, transition team and ultimately the key Cabinet selections made by President Elect Barack Obama. As I began doing research on the next Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel and others I realized that this might take some time to pull a concise article together. It seemed like I would have to wait for a few weeks to bring together and share this information with my friends, family and subscribers.

However, while doing my research, I came across an article/blog with some folks complaining about how an Obama Presidency was "Marxist" because he would require high school and college students to offer 500 volunteer work hours to their country. Question: what's wrong with giving back to one's country in exchange for scholarships or other financial assistance? It is called reciprocity - and I for one believe that our children need to learn what that means once again. In my house it is called "earning your keep" in the form of chores for allowance. I don't know about you but I think that our young kids have spent way too much time in front of the "boob-tube" watching talk shows and music videos that glorify a culture so many claim has contributed to the lack of morality in our nation. Furthermore, research has found that the sedentary lifestyle is a huge contributor to childhood obesity. My take on the matter is this - if my kids can volunteer, get some exercise in and help improve the "me" mentality - hey I'm all for it.

What I'd like to ask the people complaining about - shared responsibility ala Americorps is; are you saying that to require our young people to "ask not what their country can do for them but what they can do for their country" (Kennedy) - is Marxist? I guess service to one's country should only be promoted if it is on the battlefields of War??? Furthermore, with all the job cuts, kids might not be able to get to college or adults might be unable to pay back student loans - but if they can volunteer (besides military) and earn credit towards college/loan repayments what's the problem? Isn't that one of the attractions of military service?

Anywho, back to the reason for this post -

President Elect Obama and his team have continued their wonderful internet strategy and transitioned to a virtual Office Of The President. I must say that I am not too surprised to see this happen. In an age where technology rules and Team Obama has stayed in touch with their supporters online, via text messaging, social networking and the like, this would only seem like the logical next step. It seems the message behind the creation of CHANGE.GOV is an effort to have transparency and inclusion of the people with an Obama Administration. The Obama team has put together a wonderful website where people can sign up and find out every single detail (well just about) of the incoming administration. There is information on the transition team, key cabinet appointments, policy issues, a blog, press room, a place to submit opinions and ideas - as well as an area to apply for jobs.

I have to say that I am really digging this concept of a virtual office of the president - it is so hip, so modern and so transformational. To think for the first time - technology will allow ANYONE to peek into the walls of the White House and Washington, DC is simply amazing.

CHANGE. GOV, is a great website and wonderful step in the right direction. All of this in less than 48 hours of election ------ what innovation will they come up with next?!?!?

Change is truly underway - and if you're not riding the wave, you might be caught under it!