Craig Newmark (of Craiglist fame) on "Rebooting the Tech Economy in Ohio," in Columbus Wed 9/24

(Ben's note - the following is a public service announcement and is not meant to endorse. I believe that it's my duty to offer up opportunities for us to become educated voters)  - thanks @Wyliemack (twitter name) for bringing this to my attention

 

Source: http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/node/2257

Start: 09/24/2008 - 6:00pm

End: 09/24/2008 - 7:30pm

 

Among the many glaring contrasts between the presidential candidates is Obama's evident appreciation of the power of the internet and McCain's admitted failure to even engage with internet basics like email and Google. In short, tech policy is yet another powerful reason to vote for the candidate who offers real change, not a return to the past. Next Wednesday evening in Columbus, come hear internet pioneer Craig Newmark (of Craig's List) and internet law expert Peter Swire talk about the importance of tech policy and why people who appreciate the power of the internet should get involved in supporting the Obama campaign.
Consider this. John McCain said earlier this year: "I have never felt the particular need to email." When it came to a fact, he said you can look it up on "a Google." And he said: "I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down pretty soon." The next president needs to be in touch with technology and understand the importance of the internet.
Barack Obama and his campaign, by contrast, have been pioneers in using the Internet, wireless technology, and other cutting-edge applications to link average voters together and empower them to create political change. Once elected President, Barack Obama can lead the government, the national economy, and Ohio back to global leadership in innovation and new technology.
The nation can’t afford to pick a leader who hopes to get online for the first time “pretty soon.” Everyone who recognizes the importance of the Internet to our economy and our future should come listen to Newmark and Swire, learn, and get involved.
Full details after the break.
Rebooting the Tech Economy in Ohio
For students and all residents of Ohio, our future depends on innovation and the role of technology to create jobs for a 21st economy. Renowned entrepreneur Craig Newmark (from Craig’s List) will speak about his experience as a leading innovator who has harnessed the power of the internet to create economic opportunities and jobs throughout the nation. He will also discuss the critical role the internet plays in this election and why all young voters need to pay attention and possible get involved in the Obama campaign.
When and where: Wednesday, September 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Saxbe Auditorium of the Moritz College of Law of the Ohio State University, 55 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus. The event is hosted officially by the Law School Democrats.
Featured Guest Speaker: Craig Newmark, founder of Craig's List. Craig's List is a virtual community where users can list everything from lawn ornaments for sale to personal ads to a simple rant about the morning commute. Craig has a focus on community organizing and recently wrote the following on his blog:

In my day job, I've worked with thousands of people directly, helping tens of millions of Americans with basics like jobs and housing. People are trustworthy and good, and get a lot done when organized at the grassroots level. Good people helping each other out, that's a great expression of American values and democracy. This is sometimes called 'community organizing' and it's part of the vision of the Founders of the USA.

Guest Speaker: Peter Swire, Internet law expert, the Chief Counselor for Privacy to President Clinton, and former member of the White House Electronic Commerce Working Group. Swire is now a law professor at Ohio State, and will provide, in humorous form, reasons why it is important for the next President to "get" how to create the most vibrant Internet and technology future possible.
Also featuring: Speakers explaining what technology and innovation mean to students and other residents of Ohio, and how to start using that technology and other resources to help elect Barack Obama as the next President of the United States.
*** Note: The work affiliations of Craig Newmark and Peter Swire are listed for identification purposes only, and they will not be speaking on behalf of Craig's List or the Ohio State University. ***