Washington is listening to people, for real

OK, in Washington the White House has this Open Government directive, telling everyone that they gotta get serious about customer service, which includes really listening to Americans about running things better.

Yes, it's like getting an elephant to tap-dance, but harder. However, they're serious, and Washington is full of people who are passionately committed to this.

It only works if American citizens get involved, and here's how to get involved; check out a new blog from the White House: Make Your Voice Heard:

Now through March 19th, the American people can make a difference by logging on to each agency’s open government page and making your voices heard. We hope you will assist us in this historic effort to bridge the gap between citizens and their government. It would be particularly helpful for you to provide specific suggestions for what agencies should include in required elements of their plans. These elements include a strategic action plan to improve transparency, as well as agency proposals to use technology platforms and other innovative methods (e.g., prizes and competition) to improve collaboration.

Start participating today – visit one or more of these websites and provide feedback:

• Agency for International Development, U.S. (USAID)
  
• Agriculture, U.S. Department of (USDA)
  
• Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
  
• Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)
  
• Commerce, U.S Department of (DOC)
  
• Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
  
• Defense, Department of (DOD)

There's a lot more, but you get the idea.