Desktop Democracy

Why are we governed by an elite group of politicians when technology exists for self-representation? What if members of a community could attend town hall meetings in the comfort of their own living rooms? What if citizens had the ability to submit proposals directly to their community for a vote? Desktop Democracy explores a fictional time in American history when "We the People" replace politicians with self-representation through the use of computers and the Internet. Representative government becomes obsolete and unnecessary...or so it seems. A leader of Internet services, Zinic, Inc., sold the American people technology to govern themselves. Zinic's corporate management was focused on Desktop Democracy's huge profit potential. Would it succeed? Some feared voter fraud. Some feared Zinic would gain too much control over government. Others feared violation of civil rights. However controversial, Zinic's plan was simple: plant the seeds of true democracy in small neighborhoods and watch it grow. Revealing what could happen if such a Pandora's box was ever opened, this fascinating work of science fiction by Robert Augugliaro will keep readers intrigued until the very last page. Deeply compelling, it portrays America's forefathers as masterminds, explores how their perception of sovereignty is manifested by true self-government, and examines both the merits and pitfalls of permitting citizens direct access to government's helm. Readers will find the outcome of this tale deeply thought provoking, and left pondering the necessity and perhaps the validity of representative government today.