Collecting Commom Sense Ideas

Since October, the website SinceSlicedBread.com has been collecting ideas about how to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, seeking the best ideas since, well...

As the site itself says:

Since Sliced Bread is a national call for fresh, common sense ideas. A call for ideas that will strengthen our economy and improve the day-to-day lives of working men and women and their families. It’s also a place where ordinary Americans and experts alike can discuss the important economic issues of our times.

The site, sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), lists many of the best ideas submitted, most of which will ring familiar to futurists. On February 1 -- the day after President Bush's State of the Union address -- the very best idea will be awarded $100,000. The reviewing and judging process, however, has drawn criticism by those who believe it's too restrictive (indeed, many of the "finalist" ideas are classic Democratic Party talking points). Zephyr Teachout, who employed social networking technology for Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign, offers both a critique and alternative approaches.

This day and age, any initiative that encourages people to think creatively about social and economic problems deserves encouragement. Visit the site and judge the merit of the ideas for yourself.

Sources: Smart Mobs, Many2Many