Comments for 7 Online Things To Do To Help Obama Restore America

7 Online Things To Do To Help Obama Restore America

2009-01-20T02:50:00Z

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, America and the whole world will gather to watch Barack Obama be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. Many have called Mr. Obama the Internet President because of the unprecedented way his campaign used the medium to raise funds, raise awareness, and ultimately outmaneuver John McCain. But what can we do now to help turn this country around? Read on for 7 things every one of us can do on the Internet to help Obama restore America.

]]> As Obama rolls into a very tough job to restore America, it is very clear that the Internet is going to be the #1 channel for read/write communication with the people. Change.gov not only features an elegant design, but has useful content that connects you to the President-Elect and solicits your opinion and ideas. And the seemingly small things like the iPhone application or support of OpenID and Creative Commons show that people on Obama's team are intimately familiar with the latest technologies and trends on the web.

If Obama and his team are going to use the Internet to help change America, so should we. The Internet is the most powerful information technology ever invented, and it has already changed the way we elect the President of the United States. Next, it just may help us restore America to its true self. How? One person at a time, starting with you and then passing it along. Here are 7 things you can do on the Internet to help President Obama turn this great country around.

1. Read About and Know the Issues

The least you can do is be aware. In this day and age, ignorance cannot be excused. All the information is out there, and whether you are Democrat or Republican or independent, the least you can do is find it. Maybe you prefer the Huffington Post or the New York Times or Fox News or CNN or independent local media; whatever your channel, spend at least 1 hour a week learning what is going on in America and around the world.

2. Join the Conversation

Obama is not a one-way president. If he was, he would never have assembled such a diverse, opinionated cabinet. Mr. Obama knows that our strength is in our diversity, and he wants to hear from you. We've been living in the age of the read/write web for the past 5+ years, and we have recently seen a decline in user participation. The time is now to re-engage, particularly around the conversation on how to turn this country around. You can directly help shape the future of America, one comment at a time. Find the blogs and online newspapers that you like and comment on the issues that matter.

3. Spread the News

The social explosion on the web created a wonderful way to disseminate news. Before, news was broadcast through centralized hubs; now, through Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, the news is spread by individuals. The implication is that your tweet matters. When you tweet news, it does not matter if it reaches thousands or dozens of people. What matters is that it reaches the people who want to hear the news from you. By spreading the news, you are leveraging our social fabric, helping the right information travel through the right channels.

4. Learn American History

To change the future, it is important to know the past. Even if you are well versed in American history, there is always more to learn. Learning history is both educational and patriotic. It is the subject that all of us should turn to in tough times. A good starting point is the Wikipedia page on American history, packed with links to historical figures and events. About.com features a whole subdomain dedicated to American history. You can find articles on subjects ranging from the Civil War to presidential elections to biographies. For more in-depth learning, head over to Kindle books on Amazon. Over four thousand books on American history come up.

5. Get Your Finances in Order

Let's face it, the latest financial crisis is partially our fault. Sure, Wall Street execs were greedy and went too far, but so did we. Many people were not disciplined and lived beyond their means. If you haven't yet, start using financial software such as Mint and Wesabe, and get your finances under control. Getting organized is the most important step to getting your finances in order. And like news dissemination, fixing the financial crisis is also done one person at a time.

6. Learn about Green Tech

The issues of global warming and green technologies are going to be at the forefront of Obama's presidency. Yes, the current economic crisis and the needless war in Iraq are the issues of the day, but global warming and green tech are the issues for decades to come. The first step you need to take in 2009 is to educate yourself. What is this all about? What is my energy consumption? What are "green homes"? Which products are green? What is the state of the solar energy industry? The web is full of green tech information; you just need to pick a source to start learning. And for a deeper look at the profound issues facing us, read Thomas Friedmans' Hot, Flat, and Crowded.

7. Engage Locally

There is one place where Obama needs your help more than anywhere else: your community. Federal government can't reach out to each corner of America, and frankly, that is not its job. This is why you can really make a difference by engaging in local politics, buying regional produce, taking your kids to a local history museum. Every township is online these days. You can connect through the Internet and engage in local issues. From spring to fall, you can shop at your local farmers' market, helping make things a little greener. Stepping up and doing just a little locally really goes a long way.

Conclusion

We are living in troubled yet exciting times. Electing Barack Obama was only a first step to turning America around. Now the tough work, the heavy lifting, begins. Mr. Obama is ready, but he needs your help. Take the time to think about things you can do on the Internet to help The Change. It's patriotic, it is right, and it is a lot of fun. Ready? Let's do this together!

Comment from Diane Fowler on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T02:24:42Z

This is such a fantastic post! Thank you for condensing some hugely amazing ideas into a small digestible meal.

It is not only our right but our DUTY to be informed, involved, and engaged in the issues and history that is happening around us. Policies are being made, precedents set, and new tracks laid every day... With all of the options available to us digitally these days, we absolutely have no excuse to not be up at the front of the line helping determine which direction we all head next.

Comment from Lucindigo on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T03:28:12Z

Agree with Diane, what a powerful post. I feel particularly strongly about:

1. Read About and Know the Issues

You list some media such as Huffington Post, CNN, Fox, NYT or Independent local media as sources to help in understanding what is going on around the world.

What about the smart aggregator sites out there that make available:

a) The top news stories you should know about e.g. today, this week, this month. If you do have only an hour a week you are going to want to get straight to the point.

I understand "top" will differ from person to person, but in this context I mean based on a coverage metrics. E.g. As measured by PEJ: http://www.journalism.org/node/14314

b) The best written articles coverage on these topics (as voted by a large group of worldwide readers/judges). When people are educating themselves on new concepts e.g. economics, it is important that articles are clear and accessible from a language perspective, free from too much jargon and acronyms.

I am interested in people's thoughts about sites that are leading in a) and b) above. That is, the sites that would be the first place you hit (and most efficient use of your time) when you have ten minutes to see what is going on in the world.

Comment from Theresa111 on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T03:46:18Z

This post is a breath of fresh air. Tomorrow at precisely NOON the whole world will be sighing and the air will be cleaner.

You have engaged your thoughts into an accumulative order and have hit the nail on the head. Your suggestions are worded with just the amount of motivation that will appeal to many readers.

What can we all do, is the point I was making when we were waiting to figure out who would win this latest election. We all must do our part.

Glad to read your seven points and I hope others will follow suit. Well done.

Sleeping Kitten - Dancing Dog!

Comment from James D Robinson 4.0 on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T03:56:23Z

Truly an outstanding post, Alex. I couldn't agree with you more on the points, and I hope the message is spread wide and deep. And soon. I plan to do my part.

And don't get me started on how we teach history in the classroom....

Comment from Yeah, right. on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T04:35:37Z

Suddenly you're patriotic because 'your guy' got elected? Typical liberal, placing the person above the country.

I've always judged a true fan of a sports team by how well they attend when things are bad. These things you describe weren't un-doable for the past eight years, you just chose to sit in a corner and pout, throw darts, and call for impeachment and trials. Petulant and sour, you pretended you were impotent because 'your guy' wasn't in power.

I'm as right as you'll find, and I can tell you that at 11am CST on the 20th Mr. Obama will become MY president. I will respect him, and honor the office. My country, my president.

However, I will use all of the tools you describe above to oppose his socialist, green, and liberal ideas. I'll be working hard against these policies, rather than preen and pout.

He's my president, and I will respectfully fight against him.

All you Bush-derangement-syndrome liberals, take a lesson. Watch as the conservatives stop this guy cold, and still act in a dignified and respectful manner, all the while waving the flag as strongly and proudly as we did when it was 'our guy' in the White House.

It's all of ours country. We'll all be fighting for it.

Good luck. Play ball!

Comment from AD Public Relations on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T05:53:44Z

It is so fascinating to watch how Web 2.0 is changing America.

Compare this century to last ...
http://galaxyspectrum.com/advertising_history.aspx

in the 'History of Public Relations' section of the above collection.

Look how helpless and manipulative the societies were back then when all the had to go on was government sponsored PR

Comment from Pareja7 on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T06:01:06Z

Great post on how we can intensify our participation. Count me in!!!

Comment from Instant Hope for the Hopeless on 2009-01-19

2009-01-20T07:07:46Z

Hi, interesting post...

Really, only "one hour a week" studying the issues & reading the news? That's troubling.

I spend probably 10 hours minimum (usually more) per week reading a mix of hard news and editorial sites. Not including the Onion.

Even 10/hrs week isn't enough for me to keep up with the issues.

There are Local/city issues. State issues. National issues. International issues.

So divide up that one hour. You are saying 15 minutes on each of those categories per week? How informed could a person be?

Then those uninformed people are being encouraged to "3. Spread the News".

Nevertheless, I do agree with you that hordes of dumb people can make a difference.

Comment from Jeff on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T09:09:34Z

Wow... powerful! Thank you very much for putting things into perspective.

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T14:26:44Z

"Restore America to its true self" and "your tweet matters"? Come on guy. I can understand getting all psyched up on inauguration day, but you're hyperventilating.

change.gov has been suppressing and censoring dissenting viewpoints since day one.

Comment from Ann on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T15:04:06Z

It is our DUTY to be informed as Americans. We need to be informed from domestic to international issues.
From a great blog post www.brandfasttrackers.com,
Brian Martin says it best:
" If, Leadership = Influence..
And Barack Obama today will become the Leader of the worlds largest economy;
Then Barack Obama is THE greatest influencer of our time."

What is a better way to show respect for the Leader of our country, by being an informed influencer.

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T15:10:56Z

If this blog keeps up these types of posts you are going to watch your reader base decline like the NY Times.

These are things we should have been doing all along. I agree with "Yeah, right".

Watch how the other side moves along with class and respect. Notice how there are no protests and just celebration. Because those who did not vote for this president know how to respect the office of the president.

Comment from Tim on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T15:11:39Z

#5 above has to be my favorite person on hear.

Obama will be considered a good president not, because he will do what is right, but because he will what is popular. And what is popular is often wrong. I am sorry, Obama does not have a backbone. I hope I am wrong. I hope he does well, we need it right now.

I will support when he is right, and I will stand against him when he is wrong. That is what we should be focusing on not pledging allegiance to Obama.

Comment from john b on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T15:36:14Z

Right up to the recommendation to read Thomas Friedman, this was a great blog post. With that exception, I think you have some great ideas here.

Comment from Aditya on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T15:47:20Z

Im not an American. So I can't applaud the patriotic tone. But the minus that the post is great and has a universal appeal.

It is a duty of educated ones to have a concern for the other.

Comment from Kenneth on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T16:27:17Z

I'm in partial agreement with #5 and #13.

We need to remember to respect Obama as he is holding the Office of President, however we need to still stand firmly on our beliefs, each of us, and respectfully support and oppose when necessary.

God Bless America.

Comment from jjtripp on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T16:45:30Z

you are so full of crap, this is the end of the U.S.

Comment from Alexander Kintis on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T17:26:55Z

Addicted to Barack Obama? Join the others @ http://www.beatingaddiction.com/addictions/view.php/10088/Barack-Obama

Comment from Heidi Miller on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T17:57:28Z

Alex, thanks so much for this post. One of the remarkable things about Obama is his ability to inspire a cynical and apathetic populace to care. And yes, I include myself in that category as well. Thanks for giving my newfound hope and optimism a direction--a book to read, a next step to take.

Adding purchasing Hot, Flat and Crowded and choosing a new charity to donate time to to my Getting Things Done task list on OmniFocus.

Comment from Sean on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:20:27Z

RATHER USELESS INFORMATION...

This is supposed to be 7 online things you can do to help Obama Restore America?

I think ReadWriteWeb does a bad job of posting content, they seem sloppy & quickly thrown together.

C'mon... use mint.com to organize your finances?
Use facebook? Wow...

Comment from Thomas Whitney on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:37:20Z

It's a new day and I am particularly excited to see the positive changes away form apathy. What I think you are saying here is that engaging in the conversation, being present and contributing, as well as cleaning your own house is the vital point.

I agree whole heartedly.

One thing that I would like to see more than ever is an increased effort being put towards digital security advancements that protect everyone.

Comment from Suzana on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:41:51Z

If Obama looks only at USA and thinks that USA is ALL America, he will not restore nothing.

I think he needs:

8. Understand the world historical context and think of how to turn its catastrophic development.

best!

Comment from JimK on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:05:30Z

Couldn't agree more about people staying informed - especially about issues around the globe.

Since we are more and more interconnected with those around the world these days, what affects our fellow humans around the world can and will likely affect us too.

Those in the US have overall been way too ethnocentric over the past 8 years. We need to expand our world view or we risk becoming irrelevant.

Comment from Joe on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:14:48Z

"4. Learn American History"

Might I make some suggestions?

A People's History of American Empire (American Empire Project)

A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present (P.S.)

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong, Revised and Updated Edition

We Who Dared to Say No to War: American Antiwar Writing from 1812 to Now

33 Questions About American History You're Not Supposed to Ask

A Foreign Policy of Freedom

The Real Lincoln: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War

Hamilton's Curse: How Jefferson's Arch Enemy Betrayed the American Revolution--and What It Means for Americans Today

Comment from Obama IS America! on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:31:15Z

YEAH PEOPLE!!! WE ARE COMING TOGETHER!!! LETS KEEP THIS MOMENTUM GOING PLEASE AND MAKE SURE TO CONSTANTLY EDUCATE OURSELVES AND OTHERS!!!

obamaisamerica.blogspot.com

Comment from Chris on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:58:04Z

Why would I want to help Obama?

I'm against everything he stands for. The only thing I can do to help America is to spread the word about what true freedom means not follow the example of another foolish statist.

If you actually care about liberty check out www.lewrockwell.com or www.mises.org .

Comment from Jeff on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:38:17Z

Restore America?

Unless we get back to the Gold standard and downsize the federal government, it's going to be status quo.

And backswards, is still backwards!

Comment from JOhn Thomas on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:38:36Z

I just want to see if he Obama is as good at taking action as he is on giving speeches! I guess we will see shortly!

RT
www.privacy-web.us.tc

Comment from Alldone on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:41:26Z

Obama is a good guy and I wish him well, but let's face it. The U.S. is all done...we are in our twilight now and what is left will be a third world lifestyle. I give us 8 to 10 years more at the most. Folks, it was a good run but we are finished...hug your loved ones close and enjoy indoor plumbing while it lasts. GAME OVER.

Comment from DG on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:41:51Z

This is one very ill-informed post or a propaganda masterpiece. America will seize to exist. Your money is worth NOTHING, yet you don't bother to learn about the monetary system. A lot of you don't even know about the Federal Reserve, the consequences of fractional reserve banking. Obaa-aaa-maaa. Way to go sheople. I'll save the post and see you on the other side of the fence in three years. Obaaa-aaa-maaa.

Comment from John Tomeraas on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:42:13Z

That really helps to ask voters to know this BEFORE they go to the polls.
Hope and Change.
I HOPE he doesn't CHANGE my taxes too much.

Comment from CJK on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:50:31Z

Well at least Obama seems more promising than the person America has had for the past 8 years. And I believe the country would be in even more trouble if the Republicans had stayed in power... Let's let the pendulum swing the other way for a while, see what happens, and hope for the best.

Comment from Estlin Jack on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:52:19Z

it's whitehouse.gov now.

good stuff here. that's the new obama site now. cheers!

Comment from Keith on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:53:09Z

To #5 and #13 above, when does Right not equal Popular? It has to be unpopular to be right? Bush was unpopular and wrong.

Maybe he is doing what is popular because people because aware over the last 8 years, followed the issues, and came up with what they want. And now he is following that.

Now that he is elected, I'm keeping my eye on him just as hard as Bush. Remember, they work for me (us). I'm not giving him an inch, like I treat all our representatives in government.

Comment from Billo on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:10:49Z

If people did these things BEFORE the election, BHO never wudda been elected in the first place. And neither wudda McInsane.

Comment from Joanne on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:11:12Z

Considering the line of nothing but propaganda this country is being fed through its news media, read alternative news media, read RENSE.COM for one example and find out the truth about what is going on this country not what is being put out there by those who own the media. The biggest hoax is that a man who is not qualified to be president, was able to take the oath today and get away with it, a direct violation of the Constitiution which appears to have no value. You all want change, well, watch what you wish for, it isn't the type of change everyone wanted.

Comment from matt on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:25:09Z

Interestingly, these same 7 principles or activities could have (and should have) been practiced by any/all intelligent people prior to Obama taking office...

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:30:22Z

What?? This is the most ridiculous article I've read in a long time. What have you all been doing until now? Why not be the best you can be all the time, regardless of who's in power?

I just don't buy that people are this selfish, stupid and/or fickle, that they can just turn their efforts on and off like this.

Some additions, in case people are really this idiotic:
- Don’t do drugs
- Stay in school
- Don’t have unprotected sex
- Don’t weave around railroad crossing barriers when they’re down
- Drive the speed limit
- Pay your bills

Comment from Mari Smith on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:30:36Z

This is an *exceptional* list - each of the 7 action steps is doable right now... at least taking baby steps and evolving from there.

I've shared with my 12k Twitter followers & 5k Facebook friends... + Stumbled. The more we can encourage and empower one another to be *leaders* the more we can support the US and our government.

Cheers! ;)
@marismith (Scottish-Canadian resident alien in California!)

Comment from Darren Scott Monroe on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:37:20Z

Great post but you forgot one:

8. Step into a Leadership role
No matter what your talent skill or area is. Obama cannot lead us alone. We must step up to the challenges that face us!

Comment from Wyatt on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:46:34Z

Couldn't we have been doing this before so we didn't get into this situation? The title really should have been "7 Online Things To Do To Help Obama Make Himself Look Better".

Comment from Alex on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:01:44Z

Really? This article is retarded, I mean really. My chihuahua could have came up with better ideas...

Comment from Tom on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:05:32Z

Stopped reading at #1. Watch fox news? Lol? That is a trashy channel. The red papers of the news world.

Comment from Brent Allsop on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:22:20Z

A good way for millions of people to communicate concisely and quantitatively is:

http://canonizer.com

Comment from fjpoblam on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:22:27Z

Good points. I saw, though, many folks exhibiting MLK day as a "day of caring," helping neighbors, speaking out for human rights, and this, and that... While 364 other days of the year sat there saying, "Hey, what about me?"

We must remember that "speaking" out isn't always *ACT*ivism: just DO it!

Comment from Free xbox 360 Games on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:25:55Z

Thanks for information. Great article.

Comment from Al on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:10:32Z

Getting your finances in order is a good idea, but doing so works against an economic recovery. The big problem: nobody is spending. For most people, getting one's finances in order, usually will reveal that they need to cut back on spending. Neverthless, I'm a republican who now supports Obama.

Comment from Al on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:10:32Z

Comment from jimmy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:13:32Z

Most Americans are so uninformed and easily brainswashed. There will be NO CHANGE: just look at the team of advisers he brought in. But ok, frankly, after all the population's ignorance, it's time to pay: Just way till the DOLLAR COLLAPSES. All the yuppies, babyboomers, etc. all those who have a vested stake in the system, you're about to get madoff-ed...

9/11 was an inside job!

Comment from Steve Lee on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:16:25Z

There are several political Social Networking Sites that readers can sign-up for and write at besides ghangedotgov, Click Link:
http://www.communati.com/steve-lee/political

There are also Libertarian networks also, Click Link:
http://www.communati.com/steve-lee/think-liberty

Comment from Technogeeks on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T01:43:25Z

I employ over 600 workers. I don't think America needs 'restoring'. This is what I think. Now that there's a black guy as President (he's not really black, but the blacks think he is so...)..... NO MORE WHITE GUILT!!!

Do I employ any black people? Sure, I do! I employ anyone who has the skills, education, and experience needed to fulfill a role in my company. I just don't employ fat, lazy, stupid people that other african-americans call 'niggers' (and btw they DO call other blacks 'niggers' if that label fits just like so-called 'white-americans' call some whites 'white trash'... if the shoe fits!).

African-americans gotta make it on their own, just like the rest of us. Now if Obama wants my support he'll kick people off the welfare rolls and make them WORK FOR A LIVING LIKE THE REST OF US. No more 'african-american', just 'AMERICANS'. The only people who can truthfully call themselves 'african-american' are people born in Africa and who them immigrated into the USA.

Comment from Linux on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T02:01:42Z

A fabulous post. Very practical and down to earth tips to tide over difficult times.

Comment from Paul on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T02:14:54Z

Why didn't I ever see a "7 Online Things To Do To Help Bush Restore America" article?

Comment from ed breyers on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T02:46:10Z

This Barack Obama hysteria is quite entertaining. I wish liberals were this patriotic for every inauguration. Case in point: as a conservative, in general I don't agree with President Obama's stated policies, yet today I told my young kids to be proud of our new president and proud to be an American. This stands in stark contrast to my liberal neighbor who enjoys having his elementary school child repeat "George Bush is an a**hole" to friends and neighbors.

Comment from Man Overboard on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:02:22Z

I reserve the right to be a miserable, complaining, and whinny prick for the next 4 years.

I will suggest no alternatives. I will ignore any and all reason. I will insult and shun opposing views.

I've earned it!

Comment from Whatever on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:09:20Z

This post is laughable:

First you say this:

1. Read About and Know the Issues

Maybe YOU SHOULD.

5. Get Your Finances in Order

Let's face it, the latest financial crisis is partially our fault. Sure, Wall Street execs were greedy and went too far, but so did we.

It was partly Wall Street But the biggest problem was Freddy and Fannie recklessness that build the housing bubble. Which is why Wall Street and Banks are get hammered.

Maybe some of you Libs might want to read this post. It written by another lib who is surprisingly honest.

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/ideas/081017light.html

Oh and another thing about Obama you must have over looked when typing #5 is He and the Dems are going to SPEND MASSIVE amounts of our money "hoping" to SPENT our way out of the current financial mess. But we tried that before in the 30's and it didn't work then.

If you want spending don't let the government do it cut taxes on all of us PAYING TAXES.

The rest of the list was dumb. Really learn about green tech? And how does that help the country? How about lets do what works and let the free market figure out how to make more efficient technology affordable? How about a smaller Federal Government? How about government get out of the way instead of being a obstacle for small businesses? How about we get serious about real energy production herein the US? We have huge reserves of coal, natural gas and oil. Let tap those supplies while we help companies invest in new technology? How about deporting the Millions of illegal aliens in the country freeing up those jobs for unemployed Americans?

I'll stop now because this article was worth this much effort. So go ahead the rest you who thought the ideas were great call me names because that's all you have.

Comment from Bob on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:50:06Z

Geez, you forgot to mention the following:

Brush your teeth
Look both ways before crossing the street
Tie your shoes tight, but not too tight.
wipe

This is tripe. If you're going to write, have something to say. Most of your readers are beyond the first grade.

Comment from Dorothy Baker on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T05:43:06Z

Oh come on, people. First of all, America is not hopeless right now. The Great Depression was a crisis that was ten times more horrible than our own economical crisis, and the beginning of America was filled with more toils than we're experiencing today. Yet we still got through it. I don't think you're appreciating the history enough.

Second of all, this article stated that it doesn't matter what political party you're in--just help make the world a better place. Be more informed, be more intelligent, be less ignorant. At least pitch in on stopping global warming; we're all sharing the same Earth.

As for the pledging allegiance or not pledging allegiance to Obama, just screw that. Obama will make mistakes--everyone does. Can you find a diplomat or prominently political leader in the world who is absolutely PERFECT in his or her actions or decisions? The thing to remember that Obama will try to the best of his ability. He won't be a lazed lame-duck prez who didn't keep an eye on the market.

Most importantly, Obama cannot do this alone. Truly, he can't. And why should we expect him to? Contribute to America and to the world by getting yourself educated. Be open to new ideas and opinions. Seriously, if you stay sheltered in your own little microcosm and shut everything out, then you can't even think about progressing. You're not helping to contribute to the world, but instead you're seizing the world's resources without taking into effect of the consequences.

Comment from Shean on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T12:25:45Z

Interestingly, these same 7 principles or activities could have (and should have) been practiced by any/all intelligent people prior to Obama taking office....

Comment from NancyB on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T12:27:00Z

I couldn't agree with you more. This is the dawn of a new day. Or is it? For those of us who were young and remember the dawn of the JFK presidency, we are rekindled with faith and hope. We are inspired beyond belief to move forward.

Great post with interesting resources. Thanks!

Comment from Christine Longmore Morin on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:25:27Z

These are great suggestions no matter which party, race, creed you are. I think it's a good time to have a president who understands the power of the internet and the social networking that goes on. I hope he starts "talking" to us on Twitter again. Very awesome when @barackobama follows you! :)
@yourwebchick

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:57:02Z

exelente

Comment from Amy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T20:37:34Z

Re: #1, #4, and #7
Don't forget the wealth of resources available via your LOCAL LIBRARY! Libraries have reputable resources -- yes, books made of paper, but ALSO subscriptions to full-text resources (a lot of this is available through a google search but a lot of it isn't) -- I'm talking about digitized and indexed New York Times issues/articles going back to the 1860s, collections of digitized photographs and digitized audio. Libraries subscribe to ebook databases but also try

Also, ask a librarian! They are aware of so man

Slowly

Comment from Amy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T20:41:40Z

Re: your list above: About.com and Amazon purchases are options, yes, but the U.S. has an amazing library network of resources too, that are one, more extensive than anything on About.com and two, freely available for all citizens to enjoy (not buy)!

Comment from Amy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T20:44:05Z

Comment from Amy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T20:47:59Z

Comment from izmir evden eve on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T22:11:49Z

Paylaşım için teşekkürler..

Comment from Chris on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T17:01:09Z

Whenever I read the headline, I keep hoping it read "7 Online Things To Do to Help Obama Restore America Online"

Comment from Melissa on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T18:21:37Z

Thanks for posting. Like a chain reaction, his ideals are inspiring enough to get people like you to encourage others. And hopefully we can reach every corner of the country.

Comment from Adrianne on 2009-01-23

2009-01-23T15:19:21Z

As a Democrat, I have to admit that I'm more informed when my guy is in office. I haven't been this excited since I voted for Clinton. However, I will say that although there were decision made under the Bush Administration that I disagreed with, my personal commitment towards growth were no less significant.

For those individuals who left some not so friendly comments...you have that right. And I applaud anyone for making their voice be heard. However, after what's said...does it change anything?

No matter who is in office, although your inspiration is guided when your team won, we must do what's right. Is it really wrong what President Obama wants for our country? Let's review our thoughts, shall we?

1. Infrastructure - Anyone remember when the bridge collasped in MN? People died. What if those people were your love ones.

2. Green industry - Anyone ever saw the movie The Day After Tomorrow? Or better yet, who wants to be the one to tell their grandchild that we left the earth in a crappy state as a going away present.

3. Banking Greed - Well let's just say, I keep some of my money "under the mattress". It may not be growing...but it's not shrinking either...much like my other investments....to include my home, 401k....money market...etc. Oh...and by the way, I tried taking a loan out in order to renovate my basement to improve the value of my home when it's time to sell....the end result is that my bank doesn't view me as the customer I once was to them...although my situation has not change. Hum! What's that about?

There is more I can write about....but I'll let someone else finish.

Thanks for reading, Adrianne from Baltimore, MD

Comment from Friendster Layouts on 2009-01-26

2009-01-26T11:32:16Z

Wonderful tips! These will surely help in the development of USA.
Offline + Online efforts = SUCCESS!

Comment from glenn whitemen on 2009-01-31

2009-02-01T02:56:51Z

i so agree with youjimmy49.if only people would get out from in front of that brainwashing machine and learn how to think for their self and use common sense!!we should get ready for a long and very awakening struggle.we must restore our values in this country.we are the worlds only hope.put down the dop man ,your kids need a future and unless we make a stand .....awake you damn fools!

Comment from Jennifer Kaplan on 2009-02-05

2009-02-05T18:09:12Z

Great Post! I would add: Get Active in Politics. Last week I posted on "What You Can Do To Green The Country" (http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/01/21/what-can-you-do-to-green-the-country/), and most of it can be done online. Its incredibly easy and quick to write to your elected officials and let them know what you care about(my personal issues these days in the environmental policies and green jobs). Thanks to the Internet you can add advocacy to the list of online things do to to save the country.

Comment from Obama IS America! on 2009-02-06

2009-02-06T20:51:53Z

This article has been featured on the blog Obama IS America!. You can connect to this blog by using the link below:

http://obamaisamerica.blogspot.com/2009/02/7-online-things-to-do-to-help-obama.html

Thanks!!