Google This...

Let's start with a little background, about myself and this idea. I've been kicking the general concept of peer-reviewed software-assisted government around and in the faces of dear friends for at least 5 years. I think it was initially provoked by a series of discussions I had with my friend Thomas about the possibilities of creating a new monetary system on the net. He thought I was crazy, and upon further review, I probably was.

Not that I think it's too likely in the near term to create a completely meritocracy-based monetary system, but thinking about it made me realize that money is only part of the problem...trying to improve the technology of money without changing the structures that determine the value of money is pointless. Besides, we already have a great model for new forms of money: credit. The only problem is, the model is only great for large credit card companies, not so much for us little guys wading in debt-infested waters.

But maybe, just maybe, if we all put our heads together we could come up with a web-based system of government that was open-source, adaptable, and equitable. Sure, but who could do it?

Well, certainly the success of Linux is a good model for how you can subvert the norm, and overcome it, using the power of individuals working toward a common goal. ..but that's just one operating system replacing another one, right? It's just a metaphor, right? A new form of government couldn't possible replace our old, almost perfect form of American Representative Democracy. Right?

Maybe not...we'll see as we further explore this premise. But first, a quick 5 points about me...

First, I don't work for Google. I do use their products and I'm also a fan of the company. 2nd, I am a programmer, and the CTO of a media company. 3rd, I've (obviously) fallen out of love with our current form of democracy in America. 4th, I'm an optimist. and 5th, I don't think technology cures all our problems out of the box, but it does provide new ways to think about our world, which can lead to new types of solutions, practical and philosophical.

For instance, telescopes allowed Galileo to make the observations which became the basis of his later theories of gravitation and planetary motion. The movable-type printing press gave Protestants the platform to spread anti-Papal ideas during the Reformation. Early computers allowed us to break the Nazi enigma code and bring about an end to their campaign of terror in the North Atlantic. The Atomic Bomb changed everything we know about large-scale conflicts between nation states.

And the Net? So far, great porn. Certainly has changed the way people have sex. With themselves. Also, great vehicle of commerce. Video. Music. Wikis. Govt.?