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> These petitions are silly. Yes, because they probably don't result in the desired decisions. No, because they send a signal, letting everybody know "no, you
by benevol 10y ago
> These petitions are silly.
Yes, because they probably don't result in the desired decisions.
No, because they send a signal, letting everybody know "no, you're not the only one thinking things need to change urgently now".
If we feel alone, we tend to not take any action. If we are part of a group, we feel empowered and take action, sooner or later.
This is what such petitions may achieve.
- JumpCrisscross 10y agoPetitions don't encourage organisation nor repetition, the two elements of successful political mobilisation. They're one offs by disjointed individuals of dubious commitment. Worse, they promote complacency. ("I sure showed them by signing that petition!") Getting rid of disgruntled constituents by having them press an Internet button is a politician's dream. Petitions--particularly written ones--brought forth by an organised body, or used to organise one, can be powerful. Internet petitions aren't those.
- caseysoftware 10y agoSlacktivism at its finest. And then the Administration picks and chooses what they respond to. They'll ignore this one but since they responded to the Death Star one, they must be cool!
- nickpsecurity 10y agoI've seen hundreds of them. They didn't do shit. Whereas, people and companies doing what parent is claiming during SOPA battle led to it being beaten. It's just one example among many where pestering politicians worried about lost votes resulted in a little win for the people. Better to do what gets results occasionally than what doesn't do anything.