In case you're been hiding under a rock, the whole nation is abuzz today about the release of a highly-anticipated "game changing" product. CNN reports:
Washington, D.C. -- Citizens, Inc. released its "revolutionary" product today into the citzen consumer market--the iCongress.
The device is the first of its kind, combining two chambers of legislative government and integrating them with such concepts such as efficiency, leadership, courage, and ethics.
Steve Jobs, CEO of Citizens, Inc., touted the iCongress as a "breakthrough" in modern governance. "There's never been an Congress can do this, or this, or this" Jobs said with excitement as he interacted with the device.
"When we created iCongress, we did so with the citizen consumer in mind," Jobs said. "We went back and looked at previous Congresses and addressed the issues there with an eye towards creating something never before seen in American history. So, what you'll see with iCongress is an emphasis on usability and ease of access."
"Transparency is a key part of the interface now," Jobs explained. "It's complex device based on a simple concept: citizens first."
Indeed, that philosophy of "citizens first" is on display with many of iCongress's features. Its multi-touch interface responds quickly to the user, and the device to reacts to a user's input. For example, if users begin to look at an issue a different way on iCongress, the content switches position to accommodate the users and bring the content in line with their view.
"They want to feel like they control it, not that it controls them. And really, isn't that what Congress was originally supposed to be about?"
Lines around Citizens,Inc. headquarters were already wrapping around the block, with the stretch of eager individuals snaking well down K-Street.
"I pre-ordered mine," said one lobbyist. " Are you kidding me? When I heard about this launch in back in 2006, I knew I had to get one. So I made some calls, made some down-payments, pulled some strings, and here I am...the front of the line."
Yet it's not just the rich and powerful lining up to access iCongress. Scores of ordinary citizens are also clamoring to get their hands on one.
"I've been waiting for this for so long. It's been a good six years, I'd say, at least," said one patient citizen camped out in front of the Citizens, Inc. store. "I was getting frustrated, when they kept pushing back the release date. I was like, 'Come on, already, we deserve this, like, yesterday.' I kept calling up, calling and calling those in charge, so much so they probably got sick of me! But it's important to me, you know? So it's so cool that it's finally here."
Despite the huge demand for the iCongress, some critics question Citizen Inc.'s exclusive partnership with the Democratic Party, a party with a known history of disorganization and poor branding.
"We looked at several partners, initially," Jobs explained. "To be frank, at the end, we just didn't feel like the others were a good home for the iCongress philosophy. The Green Party was too small a network and didn't give us the nationwide platform that the Democratic Party brings to the table. And the Republican Party? With its horrible citizen relations history and the near-daily scandals with its executives? Too unstable. Too risky. iCongress is too important to put into such clumsy hands."
Explaining the long-term exclusive contract with the Democratic Party, Jobs stressed that any current shortcomings were outweighed by the potential. "Look, sure, there are some problems with the network now. I'll admit, the coverage is a bit spotty, especially in some rural areas. But what's exciting about this partnership is the potential for real, long-lasting change on a national--indeed, a worldwide scale. The Democratic Party will adapt, we'll work through the weak spots. A few upgrades in some key areas and iCongress will be humming along at full speed."
iCongress will be available in two versions, one with 100 member capacity (S-model) and one with 435 member capacity (H-model). Those getting the S-model are locked into a 6 year contract, while H-model purchasers are locked into a 2-year agreement. Some potential customers were put off by the long-term commitment, voicing concerns that previous Citizens, Inc. products barely lasted beyond their campaign warranties.
Jobs explained that his hands were constitutionally tied and that the company couldn't issue a recall, not matter how defective the product was. "We've learned from the Lieberman model, and we've incorporated that into the sales process, stressing to customers how important it is to critically examine a member before commitment. Because once that election is made, well, you're locked into that contract. That's just the way this business works, unfortunately. So it's important for customers to decide whether a particular member is a right fit for them at the outset."
Reviews of the iCongress have been overwhelmingly positive, with citizen's rights groups hailing it as "the most truly representative Congress ever." Watchdog groups likewise heaped praise on iCongress, citing its increased transparency and the ability to "link in" and monitor events as "milestones" in the democratic process.
The iCongress will be available at Citizens, Inc. stores, as well as Secretary of State offices throughout the nation.
