www.ChrisLaBossiere.com

I am typing this on my way to Reboot Alberta v. 2.0 in Kananaskis.

I am on a wireless aircard, accessing the internet, whilst Jill LaBossiere is driving her environmentaly friendly VW Turbo Diesel which consumes 4.6 litres per 100 km's, my kid is playing web-based applications on an iPhone with friends back home, and I am having concurrent conversations with people on Twitter from all around the World, (Oh, and checking work emails). So it seems appropriate that this post is about Reboot and PROGRESS.

I am very excited about this weekend for a couple of reasons. First, we are coming as a near-full family. Jill will be part of the events, and our youngest daughter is coming to take in the swimming pool and they will both enjoy some skiing at Nakiska. Secondly, there will be a more evolved discussion from the first Reboot, where we will get talking about real solutions and ideas for improved citizen involvement in government.

Much work has been done by the Reboot organizers to help define "What is a Progressive?". This is important as it will help people better understand how we are similiar, and what we want from our government. But my big wish from this weekend is the important discussion on specific ideas and actions that might define what a better government would look like in 2010. Government, AND Governance, not necessarily Politics. 

If we can accomplish that, then that would be PROGRESS in my little mind. Which may just be my simple definition of a progressive. In one of my favourite blog posts from the past, where I tried to define myself better politically, I wrote this brief description:

Progressive to me means changing with the times. Adapting our policies, laws and values with the advent of new information and technology.

Basically this sums it all up for me. I just don't think that the same old political solutions and structures will solve the problems of a far more complicated World. As we learn about new environmental problems; as information is shared openly and in real-time on the internet - breaking down old geographic, institutional and political barriers; or as science changes our understanding of humanity and increases our individual potential; we must adapt.

Our political systems must adapt with the following.

• We must use technology to increase transparency in government
• We must use "full-cost" accounting when considering how our government pays for things like healthcare and other public services
• We must take many of the important decisions made by our 4-year elected officials and place them into the hands of people who think beyond "winning the next election"
• We must find a way to implement better direct democracy, where our elected officials can act for their consituents, instead of always having to tow the party line
• We must find a way for Albertans to feel relevant in thier own governance.

I know that this sounds like a long list of unicorns and rainbows, and one that most people think may be impossible when we are speaking about government. Even worse when we think in terms of politicans. BUT, I have no doubt that the only way to PROGRESS, is to start with passionate people having organized discussion in a respectful manner. So, this is why I am excited about Reboot.

If you want to read a much better series on "What is a Progressive", I suggest reading DJ Kelly's great posts.