In the 21st century, technology shapes almost every aspect of our lives—from how we communicate and work, to how we engage with the government, access essential services, connect with family, friends, and even fall in love. As robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and other technology innovation accelerates, the need for a dedicated Department of Technology becomes more urgent.
But this isn’t just about embracing high-tech solutions; it’s about building a government institution that embodies Abraham Lincoln’s vision of democracy: “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Here’s what this means, and why it’s essential for our future.
Who: A Department For the People
Our Department of Technology would be created for the benefit of the people. At its core, it would work to ensure that every citizen has access to the tools and infrastructure they need to thrive in a digital world.
Technology today often feels like it benefits the few—the wealthy and the tech-savvy—while leaving others behind. A Department of Technology would be tasked with bridging that gap, promoting technologies across all demographics and regions. Whether it’s ensuring affordable broadband access for rural communities or fostering digital literacy in urban schools, the department would focus on creating an inclusive technological landscape where everyone can participate and benefit.
Just as important, it would work to protect our privacy rights in a world of increasing surveillance and data collection. By advocating for ethical data use, transparency, and accountability, the Department of Technology would ensure that tech serves the public rather than exploits it.
What: By the People
In order to truly serve the public interest, the Department of Technology must be governed by the people. This isn’t just about politicians or unelected bureaucrats making decisions in isolation; it’s about creating a system where the people’s voice is central to the way technology is managed and deployed.
One way to achieve this is through elected leadership. Rather than appointed officials with limited public accountability and accessibility, the department would have elected leaders at local, county, state, and federal levels. These leaders would represent the public’s interests in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, ensuring that decisions are made democratically, and with the people’s consent.
Additionally, the Department of Technology would create avenues for direct public participation. Through platforms like Department Email, citizens would be able to leave feedback, voice concerns, and offer suggestions on how technology should be managed. This would create a system where government is not only responsive and legally accountable to the people, but also informed by their everyday experiences with technology.
Where: A Nationwide Presence
Our Department of Technology would not just be a federal agency operating from Washington, D.C. It would have a nationwide presence, with offices at every level—federal, state, county, and municipal. This distributed model ensures that the benefits of technological governance reach everyone, from urban centers to the most remote rural areas. From big cities, small towns, to tribal lands.
Local Department of Technology offices would work closely with communities to understand their unique needs and challenges, whether it’s improving broadband infrastructure or introducing smart city technologies like traffic-reducing smart lights. State-level departments could oversee larger initiatives, like expanding AI capabilities or enhancing statewide cybersecurity efforts. By operating at multiple levels, the Department of Technology would tailor its approach to the specific needs of each region while coordinating across the country for cohesive technological development.
Why: To Serve the Public Interest
The fundamental purpose of the Department of Technology would be to ensure that technology serves the public good. In many ways, this aligns with Lincoln’s vision of government working for the people. The department would have a clear mandate: to make technology safe, accessible, and beneficial for all.
Today’s tech giants wield immense power over our lives. They shape public discourse, collect vast amounts of data, and often operate without enough oversight. A Department of Technology would act as a guardian of public interest, ensuring that technological innovation does not come at the expense of citizens’ rights or wellbeing.
Through transparent governance, the department would work to build public trust in how technology is used. Citizens would know how their data is being handled, how AI algorithms are influencing their lives, and what steps are being taken to protect them from cyber threats. At the same time, the department would foster innovation that directly improves the quality of life, whether through smarter infrastructure, greener technology, or more efficient public services.
How: A Democratic and Collaborative Approach
The how of this vision is equally critical. Achieving a Department of Technology that truly works “of the people, by the people, for the people” requires a democratic and collaborative approach to governance.
First, we must establish elected leadership. By giving voters, the power to elect Department of Technology officials at the local, state, and federal levels, we ensure that those in charge are accountable to the people, not special interests. Elected officials would have a duty to protect citizens’ privacy, advocate for technological fairness, and make decisions that prioritize public welfare.
Second, the Department of Technology must be transparent and open. Citizens need tools like Department Email and other platforms for direct feedback, so they can influence policies and have their voices heard. This collaboration between the public and government will be essential to making sure the department stays on track and responsive to real-world needs.
Lastly, the department would coordinate efforts across government to consolidate and streamline technological initiatives. Instead of multiple agencies handling different aspects of tech—often inefficiently and redundantly—the Department of Technology would centralize efforts to boost reliability, cybersecurity, and transparency.
Technology That Serves Democracy
In an era where technology touches every part of our lives, a Department of Technology, governed “of the people, by the people, for the people,” is more than an ideal—it’s a necessity. By putting democratic values at the heart of technological governance, we can ensure that technology not only advances but does so in a way that serves all of society, safeguards our rights, and strengthens our democracy.
This department will act as a bridge between innovation and the people, ensuring that as technology progresses, it does so in the interest of everyone, and that no one gets left behind. As Lincoln’s words remind us, government must be a force for the people’s good, and it’s time for technology to follow that path too.
Summary
In 1863, when Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous words—”of the people, by the people, for the people”—the nation was in the throes of civil war, bitterly divided and uncertain of its future. Yet Lincoln called on Americans to remember the common thread that bound them together: their shared commitment to democracy and the principles of freedom and equality. Today, as we face our own divisions and challenges, we must heed that same call.
A Department of Technology, built on Lincoln’s ideals, can be a unifying force in an increasingly polarized world. Technology touches all of us, regardless of our political beliefs, race, or background. It shapes how we learn, work, communicate, and interact with our government. Let us not allow our differences to divide us on an issue that has the power to elevate us all. Whether you’re left or right, conservative or liberal, we are all Americans, and the future of technology affects every one of us.
We must come together as citizens of a shared nation, committed to ensuring that technology serves the greater good. By advocating for a Department of Technology that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, we can ensure that our digital future is one where everyone benefits, where every voice is heard, and where every individual’s rights are protected.
Now is the time to unite, not around our differences, but around our shared belief in a better future—one where technology enhances our democracy, strengthens our communities, and brings us closer together as one nation. Lincoln’s words still resonate today: they remind us that our government, and the technology that supports it, must serve all of us, together. Let’s build that future—united, as Americans.
Remember, in 2024, we all have the opportunity to shape the future of technology and governance! Join us in advocating for a dedicated Department of Technology that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and innovation. Together, let’s share this vision with our families, friends, candidates, and elected officials to create a brighter, more efficient future for all. Read and spread the message today!