NETWORKS AND POLITICS

This chapter focuses on networks and politics. It is suggested that planning centers should be set up to use computer simulation and data-base management in regional planning—whether at the town, state, national, or international level. Computer networking would allow planners to share data and programs and to set up problem-solving teams. Networks can also be used for distributed problem solving. In particular, the chapter discusses the emergency management information system and reference index (EMISARI) system use in the 1971 United States wage-price freeze. The chapter reviews the notion of a democracy as a system that makes government responsive to the public interest. The ways in which computer networks can aid democracy is discussed. Because individuals have relatively little time to devote to political decision making, they need elected representatives to act as their interface with the government. By providing access to information, allowing them to register complaints or queries, and enabling them to take part in instantaneous polls on key issues, computer networks could provide citizens with a mechanism to help ensure that their interface with the government will be truly representative.