If you can't open this file you may need to download the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe. Technology is historically 30 years ahead of society, according to the late and lamented federal Office of Technology Assessment. Television was around long before it became common in our homes. When it was invented, many people had trouble imagining the utility of the telephone.
Technology continues to put more communications tools in citizens' hands than ever before.
This crisis in communication may exist because we don't know how to use the tools. Or we may be suffering from information overload. Maybe the Internet will start to do some of the community function. I don't look for traditional media to be able to do that in today's environment. Through there is nothing inherently democratic about new technology, it does provide an unprecedented opportunity for melding the power of community organizations, news media, and government, into a laboratory for developing a communication system that works for citizens and strengthens democracy.