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November 7, 2007 By Chad Vander Veen
Every month, we tell of dedicated public servants striving to increase government's accessibility for citizens. From innovative IT projects, to transportation and emergency response, government agencies nationwide really try to use technology to enhance our lives.
But have you ever thrown your hands up because some members of the public complain no matter what you do? Does some people's inability to operate basic Web applications make you wonder why you even bother?
I'd wager that at least once, you've thought, "What's wrong with some people?" If you've never imagined or uttered such words, you're a better person than I. But for those who have wondered about the public's collective intellect, I commiserate with you.
Today I read about seemingly an entire town gathering to see a mysterious apparition that's materialized on a garage door every day at 6 p.m. for the last two weeks. Many claim the image is the Virgin Mary. Video shows believers touching the specter and gasping in awe. It also shows their hands and arms casting shadows over Mary. Since it appears daily at exactly 6 p.m., maybe it's not a vague message from God, but in fact ... sunlight.
This isn't a rant against the religious. It's just an example of what government faces when it tries to get John and Jane Q. Public to grasp newer technologies that can improve their lives.
Another instance of how slow-witted some Americans are: this obsession with celebrities. Why does anyone care about Lindsay Lohan's latest drug-fueled escapade or which screen starlet has the best beach body? They'll argue it's just a bit of escapism, a reprieve from daily life. But maybe these folks can't bother giving serious thought to the real issues directly affecting them. If so, how does government reach people who are less concerned about their own affairs than Brad Pitt's love life?
E-government's purpose is to get people online instead of in line. But how do you convince those who still won't use their check cards at the supermarket, choosing to wait for their total, dig for their checkbook and then finally write a check, enraging those of us who haven't yet mastered the fine art of patience?
All too often, people just don't care about government. In the 2004 presidential election, 197 million Americans were eligible to vote. Of those, 142 million actually registered. Among those, 126 million voted. That means at least 55 million Americans are too apathetic or dumb to care - 55 million who write checks at the grocery store, drive 45 mph in the fast lane and still use AOL by choice - if they use the Internet at all.
Is this a generalization? A bit. Is it elitist? Could be. But it's also probably true. I feel bad for public-sector IT employees. So often you strive to help inform people, only to have them balk at the technology and the opportunity. But, as the old saying goes, ignorance is bliss.
You may use or reference this story with attribution and a link to
http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Idiocracy-Inaction-.html
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I would like to take issue with at least one comment in the article regarding "John and Jane Q. Public to grasp newer technologies that can improve their lives." Particularly, "how do you convince those who still won't use their check cards at the supermarket, choosing to wait for their total, dig for their checkbook and then finally write a check, enraging those of us who haven't yet mastered the fine art of patience?" I happen to be very computer literate and refuse to use a check card because working for the police department and listening to friends who have had unauthorized funds taken out of their checking accounts makes me overly cautious. Yes, the bank does put those funds back, eventually, but in the meantime you are left without those funds. My husband and I keep a considerable amount in our checking accounts at certain times and I just don't trust the "system" enough to use the card. I also have a very bad habit of forgetting to enter what I've spent and therefore use carbon checks. So forgive me if I do not use the check card, do any business on the internet or order over the internet no matter how "secure" it's supposed to be. I know exactly how much and to whom I have written a check. I do not place any of my personal information on the web no matter how "secure" because I am aware of how often it happens and how awful it is for those poor souls who have had their identity stolen off the internet! Until someone develops a truly "safe" way to do business over the wires, I'll continue to write checks and order over the phone or catalog. I love using the computer and am quite capable of understanding most computer software and some hardware. I use the computer daily in my work. Call me stubborn...or cautious...but I'll stay that way for now!
I use AOL by choice and when my parents finally ventured online, I got them on AOL also, because it handles spam, scams and e-mail garbage better than most others. Its news has recently become more celebrity focused however, which is pretty annoying.