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In the afternoon of May 23, we carried out a briefing session
with Mr. Steven Clift of "Minnesota E-democracy," a
non-profit organization based in Minnesota, U.S.A.
"Minnesota E-democracy" is an organization that hosts
discussion forums that citizens can take part in through the Internet
to talk about their local issues. On its web site, there are forums
in which people can
discuss the state's political agenda, public announcements and
other issues surrounding various etropolises such as Minneapolis
and St. Paul.
Mr. Clift, upon his visit to us, enjoyed thousands of roses at
their best season in the Keisei Rose Garden, thanks to the official's
explanations about the beautiful flowers in English.
Then, he observed the "Hotaru-no-sato" or Fireflies'
Home by the Hanawagawa River. Following the fieldtrip, we began
the briefing. Starting off with a question; "How are you
making use of the Internet here?", Mr. Clift showed his interests
in the current state of the Internet environment in the Yachio
Municipal Government. Mr. Clift presented us the present situation
of online community in Minnesota in the political making process
and others with interesting episodes from his own experience.
What struck us in his remarks was "it is significant to have
discussion with regard to their own local communities with citizens
and government officials before they get into more political as
well as discrete debates." Since we have been working on
our projects with the similar philosophy, we were able to feel
close to what they've been doing in America.
We had a very comfortable meeting and an interesting chat over
"Yachiyo Brau / Nigagoi Shot," liquors recommended by
a "sake" blind taster, the owner of Konishiya Liquor
Shop.
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