With my other blogging site on the verge of shutting down, I have come across many people who wonder what the big deal is; after all, it’s just the internet, aint it?

Well, quite frankly, I am an avid believer in the internet, blogging, and the power the two have had and continue to have on relationships, politics, and identity.

I became aware of the power of blogging when Hurricane Katrina hit. Local newspapers were wiped out and national papers had difficulty getting in. However, regular people with friends, family, or they themselves who lost everything in the floods got on the internet and told their stories. They were not hindered by stringent standards of journalism, political allies, or profit: they were motivated by pain and a desire to share their stories. I remember reading some one’s blog who managed to post pictures of their house after the hurricane; or someone who described the pain he felt when they realized their parents were gone. Emotional relief through blogging need not wait for financial resources. All you need is the internet.

And how can we forget the countless police brutality cases that have been brought to light by someone with a camera phone and access to the internet. Upload to YouTube and you suddenly have a national movement; a watchdog system that, again, is free from the political restraints of other organizations.

I see students who couldn’t care less for writing an essay suddenly have no problem writing about unfair teachers, painful homes and neighborhoods, first loves, lost loves, and other sentimental emotions in a passionate way. Blogs allow them the space to vent and reach out while simultaneously reading and writing more. Students won’t buy a newspaper but they will read an article online which often has a forum attached for questions and a space for people to blog and add more commentary.

I have been able to connect with organizations and people who have my same passion for youth change and advocacy. I can read up on Black history, find stats about domestic violence, and research how to start my own non profit and host of other topics online, then blog about it to share what I have found with others. Leaders are beginning to keep blogs as a way of not only sharing information but also of keeping in touch and giving people an outlet for expression and asking questions.

A dictator’s worse fear? The internet because anyone can get access and upload and share anything at any point. In this case, blogging and the internet are revolutionary tools.

Blogs and the internet have opened up the space for public debate, dialogue, and research for and by the people themselves. It has become empowering and inspiring. When people think of the internet they think of pedophiles, lonely internet daters, and silly teens on myspace. And rightfully so—lord knows the internet is also a haven for criminals. But what is wrong with reaching out? What is so wrong with using the internet to find people who you may not other wise meet? Of course you must be careful, but people seem to miss the point about the internet: it does not replace human interaction. If used correctly it can enhance it. Of course people will abuse it—but keep your guard up and continue to love the positive outcomes of the internet: a growing blogosphere and a growing sense of ownership.

Can you think of a more democratic tool?