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by junto 4706 days ago
Whilst I agree with you, one should point out that no politicians have the expertise or mandate with regards to technology, the internet, or children's welfare!
3 comments

> no politicians have the expertise or mandate with regards to technology, the internet

That's easily disproved. This guy is in parliament in Italy:

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefano_Quintarelli

He's quite clearly competent with regards to technology and the internet, as even a translated version of that page ought to show.

Indeed. There are probably many more who are highly qualified in many different fields. Qualifications and expertise isn't what gets you the job as a politician. Votes do.

The original post was more jovial than serious.

Is he one of the Grillini?

The five-star movement in Italy seems to have largely rallied via the internet, so I would imagine there should be a few relatively savvy individuals in there.

No, he isn't, he's part of Monti's group.
Lets call it - the only know counter balance to experts running the show. We have a lot of geniuses on Wall Street and Silicon Valley and it hasn't prevented serious meltdowns that have effected millions of people.

Not to mention a law professor in the White House smart enough to interpret the law which ever way is most convenient.

What do we mean by mandate here?

In the US, now and then persons with a technical background turn up in high office, though not always for long or with the best effect: Herbert Hoover (mining engineer), John Glenn (engineer), and Harrison Schmitt (Ph.D. in geology) come to mind.

Children's welfare? It is probably more common for elected politicians to have children than not to. It is true that some of what one hears about their children makes one wonder about the parents' interest or expertise in the matter.