I am easily amused by technology, but I have been trying to figure out for most of the day whether what this innovation does is interesting, potentially quite significant, or both.
A 16-year old programmer, Nicholas Rubin, has created a browser extension that a) identifies senators or congress people (my personal gender neutral term) listed on content you are reading and b) if you decide to click on the highlighted name of one of these individuals, provides the funding sources and amounts supporting the last run for office.
This information is interesting without any further use. BUT, consider this. As educators we have made it a cause to help learners become information literate. We explain that you cannot simply accept anything one finds online, but must attempt to include the credentials of the author in evaluating the information. Is it likely the authors has a reasonable level of expertise? Does the author have ulterior motives that may explain the particular position taken.
Perhaps we should teach a similar skill – political literacy – to students. Shouldn’t we evaluate the positions taken to determine if the rationale provided is legitimate or if the politicians is responding to other motives. It this the best decision for constituents, blind obedience to the party position, or a response to major source of personal funding. Some, for example Larry Lessig (Republic Lost), argue that politicians are primarily motivated by reelection. Because the process is so expensive, the game of governance is unduly influenced by building up the campaign funds that are available. Taking money must comes with strings that reduce independence. Some of these funds can be identified and this is where young Mr. Rubin’s app comes in. For example, when issues of fracking or the Keystone pipeline are under consideration, how would you evaluate a pro position taken by your elected officials if you know the oil and gas industries are the largest donors to these officials?
Here is an exercise (perform on a source of your choice if interested). Use the link above to locate and install the extension in your browser. Here is a link to a recent story in the GFHerald concerning the Keystone Pipeline. This example was not selected with a great deal of work – it was the first hit on the search for Keystone. You should be able to learn about the funding sources for Senators Heitkamp (D) and Hoevan (R).
