It’s about time the democratization of the web — through social media — brought transparency back to government.

A new project called Democratus will let ordinary folks share their ideas and build coalitions around the policy issues they find most important, directly connecting with each other and local politicians to petition for change.

In other words, it opens up the conversation about government beyond politicians, lobbyists, and activists, so anybody can share his voice and leave a transparent digital trail. And I’m just skimming the surface.

I think this is the use of computer technology that would most impress our founding fathers, barring a kickass round of Halo 3. It’s time to bring back the user-generated part of government.

Democratus will be a website worth caring about, and it needs your help; they’re applying for a grant from the Knight Foundation and need votes. It’s free, and will take you less than 5 minutes. Here’s what to do:

  1. Register with the Knight Foundation.
  2. Read more about the project.
  3. If you believe in the project, vote by clicking the stars (5 is a good choice!) and leave a comment.

I love the pun on the name Democritus, the ancient Greek philosopher who first suggested that all things originate from a vortex of tiny, indivisible particles.

I am not affiliated with Democratus (except spiritually).