Just to keep the drumbeat going on my last post that we should move from the e-mail Congress grassroots strategy to a web-based system, I do think Congress has a role to play. I argue they shouldn't be forced to ramp up their server capacity to accommodate the deluge of form e-mails but, in return, they should agree to pay attention to web-based grassroots appeals.

More importantly, they should set up their own online forums to hear from their constituents. Such tools are readily available but in my dealings with Congressional offices, few are ready to open up their websites to even moderated comments. This has to change.

Members should implement interactive tools on their sites and open them up to constituents and accept supporting and opposing views. Discourse must be respectful -- just go to Nancy Pelosi's YouTube channel to see outlandish comments -- but views should be expressed. It is called transparency in government and is much needed.

We need more ideas on how to use online tools to transform grassroots communications and then lobby Congress to participate and facilitate these efforts.