>
> However, Warren Sirota took the words out of my mouth, when he previously responded that:
> >There is a larger issue, especially in this, a presidential election year. >And that is free access to electronic media, for the candidates from all >sides in an election, to have a no-charge forum to objectively air their >positions together. It is something the TV broadcast industry has fought >for years...Our Corner can be open to all candidates in a
> >local election to state their case: "Vote for me because..." in 2kbytes or >less.
>
> There are other possible ways of doing this than the specific one Warren proposes. And, as Bill Langham suggested, we may want to do this in conjunction with the League of Women Voters -- perhaps an electronic voter's guide. However, I think that we should certainly think about doing it.
>
> As much as many of us may be unhappy with one or other (or many) politicians, they do hold important positions in the community and information about their views/talents is worthwhile information for the community. I might add that though they are not non-profit organizations in the eyes of the IRS, candidate's organization are in reality non-profit (or at least supposed to be according to the law).
>
> I would welcome a discussion of this issue.
>
> Regards,
> Norm Jacknis
Watpals,
At the risk of sounding "me too", after thinking about Warren's reply and
NJ's follow-up, it does seem that WATPA has a real oppty to expand our
community service by allowing incumbents and candidates an electronic
public square/soapbox from which to state their positions. Recalling
Norm Liss's reservations about WATPA/PathMaster becoming too political,
if we offer an open and free place for the exchange of ideas, perhaps
with the ability for voters to respond and debate/discuss candidates and
issues, such a place can be constructed in such a way that it will (must)
be non-partisan.
Reiterating Warren's Rising Moon analogy, it is a general election year
and the opportunity is now.
2 more cents/Bill Langham