Jun 8, 2007 5:25:04 AM cite

You can't spy. Governments have mastered secrecy. The way to change the system is to flood it with your presence. Don't let the press demonize the political process for you (though there are many demons). Get involved regardless of preconceived notions. The way to do that is locally. The system will change naturally by virtue of more participants. It isn't enough to just vote. Do it small. That is how a foundation is built. A network of people everywhere committed to honesty in government. Provide, or help to provide, every possible means of free expression for the common people. We don't need to subscribe to anyone in the business of molding public opinion. The mainstream press is garbage, but the alternative press dwells too much on the personal characteristics of "rock star" politicians. We don't need that. We don't need the passive cynicism that hyper-criticism fosters either. Change the world by changing your community. And be ready and willing to work with people of different stripes. Don't impose your definitions on the process.

by mosesherzog

May 23, 2007 4:35:35 PM cite

To extend the conclusion of stackoverflow32 and applying it to our consumerist society, I would say that in fact by buying professional independent newspapers we can 'spy' on our government

by Jawi

May 23, 2007 4:15:26 PM cite

to beg the question, why spy on them ? I suggest accountablity is what you are angling at and how to achieve that is to keep going forward with the internet development where we are part of a revolution take place in the the relationship between individual and state. There is a new order coming - the bushie blair mini epoch is drawing to a close and perhaps the 'few good men' will prevail. The important thing is not to be drawn into the same bullshit that the foe uses , although no-one would deny that the violence of the ira or plo was not effective in their cause. Other than that, I suggest lobbying for all parliamentary process to be available on public access viewing via the cctv footage. Transparency is the name of the game where both the cat and mouse are visible. This does not really answer your question - apologies for that!

by ollie@indoopush.tv

May 23, 2007 12:57:17 AM cite

Supporting high qualitative journalism is an important point I think. Newspapers once the heart of journalism nowadays have to bow to the big dollar sign. Truth seems to be less important than financial interests of share holders. Democracy needs plain and objective journalism to work. Yet more and more newspapers become a mere investment of big media networks they have to WORK. Which in fact means cutbacks and lower quality. Supporting independent journalism seems a valid way of fighting this trend. ANd is thus a way for you to spy on your government.

by stackoverflow32