by Roby LaPorte

The amazing Internet, everyday we find new ways that the internet can help enrich and simplify our lives. So many good people doing really great things on the web for us all to reap the benefits.

Ever wanted to voice your opinion on world affairs? Have them be heard by millions of people, including the ones who can actually do something with them? Ever wanted to speak your mind about how you feel on global policies? The Internet is helping things change for the better in our world, in many ways.

These days, extremely large issues are hanging over our world like a dark cloud. Global Warming, war in the Middle East, fossil fuel pollution, hundreds of thousands of unneeded weapons of mass destruction… even in our community we have issues that can have a huge impact on future generations.

Sure, the world has always had its problems. But today, our small and seemingly insignificant voices are being united, increasing their amplitude making them easier to be heard, causing key people to listen and take them into account and to action.

If you do want to help move our world in a more positive direction, with the Internet, you may do so quite easily. If you’re into the environment, we have Greenpeace.org, Oceana.org, SurfRider.org, EPA.gov, EnvironmentCalifornia.org and many more. These outstanding organizations have their ears to the track for all of us to listen in. Sign up with them for free and they will keep you in the loop with all things pertinent. They actually send you an email when important issues come up, allowing you to take actions that will help protect endangered species, lands and seas. A few clicks and your voice resounds across the web. So easy, yet so important.

If your interest is in world and U. S. politics, there are organizations from all points of view. A very popular one is MoveOn.org. The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. They have over 3.3 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders. Again, they are studying and watching, listening and learning and letting you know what’s going on in Washington, the Senate and Congress and the rest of the world. They make it so easy to voice your opinion and not let it fall on deaf ears. The big plus; you can do it from the comfort of your own home or office.

Right here in San Clemente, we have our own set of issues, and we can have our say in the future of our community. One big controversy of ours is the 241 Toll Road continuation to San Mateo Creek, the TCA (Transit Corridor Agency) verses the Save Trestles, Stop the Toll Road organizations. Whatever your views are on the subject, you can get all the information from both sides of the fence and voice your opinion. Visit SaveTrestles.com and get the facts and join the team that wants to keep San Mateo Creek alive and well for future generations. See thetollroads.com for their point of view on how to alleviate traffic on the I-5.

Whatever your point of view, as Americans, important issues need our attention, and now your mouse and the internet together can play key roles in bettering our world and our communities.

Log on and speak up!