The long line of presidents, both living and deceased, have always valued traditional beliefs and approaches towards governing and policy.  While these beliefs have always been more conservative, it is not so much a leaning towards one end of the political spectrum or another, but is a way of thinking that has been the norm in the past.  This political worldview developed through what some might call outdated opinions and dogmatic beliefs.  An example of this can be found in the copyright legislation that has been passed in the last couple of decades.  This legislation has not only alienated many of those it was created to protect, but has also been overshadowed by the more impressive ‘open’ copyright systems developed outside of congress and federal courts (see Creative Commons, Open Source).

One must ask, is it possible for the thought processes of politicians and lawmakers to finally be in line with the interests of their constituents? Is it possible for those that we elect to have the kind of creative thinking that make entrepreneurs and technology pioneers so prevalent in this, our 21st century?

Signs of this shift can already be seen in both Canadian and American leadership.  Technology and environmental reforms are beginning to be commonplace on the tickets of mainstream political parties, whether through pressure from fringe political groups or from the public.

The recent inauguration of President Barack Obama will see this kind remodeling come to fruition.  Obama’s technology plans are well documented, a summary of the basic outline can be found here.  Technology reforms such as the revamped plan on broadband deployment are not an end in of themselves; by increasing the technological infrastructure of the United States, it would not just mean connecting more citizens to the Internet, but allowing school, hospitals and government institutions increased security and near limitless access to vital information.

One can only hope that the decisions of these leaders will create a political exodus into the 21st century.  Perhaps then certain laws will cease to be obsolete as soon as they are enacted and will instead inspire ingenuity and the creativity required for citizens to bring themselves out of the times in which we find ourselves.