Endoh’s Dungeon

It’s heartening to see a serious attempt by a politician in using the internet to fight against messages with intent of harm. We know how powerful the internet can be, both good and bad. You can share the beautiful causes of charity and actions against cruelty or environmental protection with Facebook groups. At the same time, you can disrupt someone’s life by posing up revengeful articles or hurtful purposes.

I actually visited the site, Fight the Smears, and thought it was a rather appropriate title. In truth, I didn’t quite expect any politician to officially declare “war” in the internet realm. Governments and politicians all over the world still rely on traditional media more than new media to bring across their points anyway.

What’s worth taking note, is the encouraging of visitors and supporters to participate. The intention of the site isn’t just about defeating malicious accusations, but also a collective movement to spread the truth instead of the lies. Of course, whether it’s the truth or lies, I will come to that later. But if you’re looking on the bottom right sidebar, you would have realized the facility of “Received a Smear? Forward The Email To…”

What I didn’t like though, or rather what I find lacking, is substantial evidences to back the attempts to fight the smears. I also find the lack of a space, for supporters to directly post their comments in reference to each smear.

Notice how the site was manufactured like a tit-for-tat tactic? There are parts where a certain allegation was put forth, and all it took was a one liner to rebuke the lie. How effective will that be, for political opponents? I can’t tell seriously. If only more efforts were put in to explain why it’s a lie and how the lie came about, I believe visitors will be even more convinced with undeniable facts being put up. That’s what a real internet “war” will be like.

Nevertheless, it’s a pretty impressive attempt I must say. You may feel I am biased because I like him (not in erotic ways of course), but how many politicians have ever taken the power of internet seriously? They may have claimed to be supportive to please the younger generations, saying what pleases the ears is all about it. But getting into the scene and being proactive is another issue.

There’s this rumour about Obama being a muslim. (He’s not!) Why care about his religion? What’s important is, whether can he serve his country - United States of America - well. If he can do better than other Christian leaders, then I think the other leaders have to do some self-reflection.