Events in Egypt, Tunisia, and other (wait let me break out my AP stylebook--yes I have a formal journalism education) Middle Eastern (see AP says caps), have left the world shocked by the decentralized nature of the popular uprisings in these nations. However, to the technorati, both within these nations as well as worldwide, there is no mystery how these uprisings formed, organized, and succeeded without a central figurehead.
To the tech-savvy generation it's all about communication, be it Twitter, Facebook, or any other method, the participants in these uprisings against dictatorial or fascist regimes didn't need a figurehead. They needed a means to collectivize--and the internet and mobile technology provides that opportunity. Without the internet one wonders how different the Arab Spring may have ended.
The same is true about Madison, Wi--Twitter users were 'tweeting' real-time about protests, and the activities of the Walker Administration, prompting their friends and other sympathizers to join them in their protests against Gov. Walker's plans. While Wisconsin probably garnered the biggest populist reaction, the same thing played out in many other states in reaction similar policies. In many instances of backlash against extreme right-wing policies, the internet played an integral part--either by informing the population, organizing the population, refuting the opposition, or (in some cases) out-right hacking and exposing the opposition's tactics.
Given the impact of the internet (and mobile technology's access to the net) on progressive struggles, emancipatory uprisings, and the ability for average citizens to make a difference politically, it's time we stand up and take notice. It's time we gather, in critical mass numbers, and make it known that our medium and channel of communication is not minor or fleeting--it's here to stay and growing every day.
It's time we claim this medium as the only true egalitarian medium as a voice for equality, freedom, justice and a plain love for all humanity.
That said, Great Lake Progressive (who???), as unknown as we are--given we went online on April 7, 2011--will be attending Netroots Nation in Minneapolis, MN.
Though we are a small unknown cog in the progressive machine, we will take our place and do our job--and we will post regular updates throughout the event.
For those going I hope to meet you, for who aren't I wish you were.