The Internet's Impact on Citizens participation...

 Internet has become more and more necessary for our lives as time goes by, we can do pretty much anything on the internet. From online shopping to blogging to bank transactions.  The internet has revolutionized our lives. One of the most useful things is that nowadays information spreads across the world in just seconds. Internet brings mostly good things for our society. However, when it comes to media we have to be aware that not all we read or hear is going to be true.

 Out of all the things that have come out of the internet I would say that blogging is one of the most powerful. People all over the world can share their opinions on different topics. It is nice to see how the U.S. allows people to express freely through their blogs, unlike some other governments such as China, Russia and Middle Eastern countries, if you say something that goes against the government most likely you will be prosecuted, even killed.

 So, I think we should be grateful for the freedom that we have and put it in exercise by speaking our minds. Some people wish they could, but they cannot.

Election Campaigns...Brown v Whitman

The previous video was part of Jerry Brown's ad campaign for governor. Even though he does not really state what his plans are, I think it was a clever way to attack Whitman in a diplomatic way. Besides, you cannot judge a political campaign just for an ad, because each ad has a different purpose.

This is one of Whitman's ads. I like it in the sense that she does not mess around; she goes to the point on what her plans were to help California. However, I think this ad in particular lacks the wit that younger generations appreciate so much, you could almost say the ad is for old, conservative people.

In conclusion I think both ads are acceptable, none of them are stupid. But I think in the end Brown's ads were more effective because he seems to be more honest and well....he won.

eCommerce Taxation

As our society relies more and more on the internet, it seems only natural to see online businesses and shoppers increasing.So regular shopping decreases and the taxes one would normally pay just get lost.The problem with this is that when it comes to what is taxable or not, or how much you have to pay for it varies from state to state. This is why right now there is a huge controversy on what should the government do about this.

A solution must be found soon, because as time goes by without a solid regulations, the government loses potential revenue to take care of the necessities of the country. And considering the current state of  the economy the government cannot afford to keep losing more money.

Some people claim they should not tax eCommerce, however I think it would be selfish because our country is not in the best shape right now, and it would be counterproductive to not pay taxes on this. In the end taxes are used for our benefit, so I think a fair agreement should be done to keep everyone happy.