Bridging the Gap

Re: Johnson, Dennis, Congress Online: Bridging the Gap Between Citizens and Their Representatives. 2004.

Johnson's book explains the bridging gap between citizens and their representatives in Congress. It is safe to determine from the reading that a digital divide exists amongst the members of Congress and their citizens. Realizing that fact can then lead us to the correct hypothesis that a large gap does exist with the communications technologies being utilized by citizens and their members of Congress.

I agree with Johnson that the gap must be resolved. Members of Congress must have the education, technology and enthusiasm to accept electronic forms of communication from their constituents. Although thousands of emails may pour into a representatives emails in-box, it is the responsibility of that representatives office to read and respond to each email.

The technology is now available for every American to contact their representatives from thousands of miles away. It is therefore important for Americans to utilize such electronic communication devices to speak their opinion on issues. Representatives now have the responsibility to respond to their constituents no matter what form of communication the constituent communicates with.