Users create a briefing book for Obama

The government should expand broadband access to every American so the country can stay at the forefront of technological advancements, a person who goes by Jesse E. has recommended to President-elect Barack Obama on Change.gov.

The suggestion is part of an program to get ideas from the public on priorities for the coming years. Jesse E.'s recommendation of Jan. 12 could be included among numerous others in a "Citizen’s Briefing Book" to be delivered to Obama on Jan. 20 when he officially takes office, according to Change.gov.

Change.gov asks the public to share ideas on any issue facing the new administration and then rate or comment on other ideas. "The best-rated ideas will rise to the top — and be gathered into” the briefing book, the site says.

A proposal for national Wi-Fi initiative has gained 3,310 votes from other users — one of the largest for a technology-specific recommendation.

“Internet access in the new emerging world and culture needs to be a right and not a privilege,” Jesse E. wrote.

Many users also supported a suggestion to expand Change.gov or launch another government-run Web site that would allow users to vote for -- or against -- the administration’s policy decisions and political appointments.

“It would at least give me the feeling that my voice is being heard on issues that I am concerned about,” wrote a user who goes by TL09 who introduced the recommendation Jan. 12. TL09 added that it would best if users could vote before officials make the decisions, “but after would be a start.” The recommendation has received 2,660 votes, according to Change.gov.

Here’s a link to the briefing book on Change.gov.