Search

Proponents of e-government, e-governance, and e-participation are particularly excited about the inclusive and empowering nature of some of their recent platforms. Critics nevertheless remain skeptical about how empowering these technologies really are and to what extent they fruitfully contribute to direct democratic processes. This essay reviews online initiatives in two areas (citizen budgets and facilitating citizen lobbying practices) intended to enhance e-participation and e-government strategies in the United States and beyond. I suggest that although clear progress has been made in the innovation of e-governance and information and communication technologies with websites like LobbyForMe and online citizen’s budget initiatives, a long road lies ahead before any notable milestone can be acknowledged in respect to full-blown e-democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coastlines are some of the most populated and rapidly expanding areas of the United States. Here, people seek employment, build residences and facilitate urban growth. However, most people do not fully realize all of the risks associated with living along a coast. Relative sea-level rise, erosion, and severe storms continuously alter the landscape. Anthropogenic interventions designed to slow these natural processes often foster decline at a greater rate. Building residences and other permanent structures further exacerbates the problem. Along the Upper Texas coast, public policy intended to protect and make life more viable is actually creating “moral hazards” and escalating the financial burdens on government. This article identifies several public policies at the local, state and federal levels of government that are working at cross purposes by allowing risky investment decisions that put people’s livelihoods in jeopardy. The authors conclude that a different, more sustainable set of policy options is required and offer several recommendations for consideration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]