T h i r t y - F o u r t h

HINT: Web surfing is not political activism.

"I believe in saving the whales. I am for equality among all races. I protest internet censorship. I abhor war criminals in Bosnia. And I want to help rebuild the burned churches in the South. However, I am a lazy ass, and I want to practice my political views from the comforts of the Internet."

How can such a socially deprived student take part in the melodrama of elections '96? Turn on the web and check out InterActivism (http://www.interactivism.com). It's that easy!

Not only can you catch up with current news clips on relevant political issues, but you can also cash in on an editorial regarding the shabby effort at welfare reform. The "Activist Employment" section displays available jobs and internships pertaining to these issues. There is also an index to other activist web sites, from the American Civil Liberties Union to Youth in Action.

Despite all these rather passive activities, the most important component of the web site calls for active participation. An extensive discussion section, similar to a bulletin board, displays political views from other web-surfers.

If you do not want to join the debates, however, and would rather stay in the stagnation of your High Rise cage, sign the InterActivism guest book instead and leave. If that option doesn't appeal, send faxes to Dole and Clinton with the click of the mouse. Better yet, send porno and other indecent material to Newt Gingrich to protest Internet censorship.

The excellent graphics and wealth of political online resources make up for the disorganization of the page. Frames or tables would enhance the accessibility of the many topics covered in InterActivism. However, this complaint only highlights the usefulness of the site for Democrats, Republicans, and other parties interested in American social welfare.

It's not the '60s anymore. The current generation of youth is not politically ambivalent. It is politically lazy. It sucks electricity for life. The physical fun of chaining oneself to the gates of the White House doesn't seem to work anymore -- or just doesn't happen. But an e-mail bomb to Newt with the help of InterActivism ... now that's a protest!

--Jennifer Estaris

Please E-mail StreetWeb@dp.upenn.edu with any questions or comments.