THE WORLD IS LISTENING

The world is reading, Medicine Hat. Just when you thought you had a good
handle on the effects the Internet has had in our society, another one
jumps up and slaps you across the face. Although fairly obvious, it is
easily overlooked. I am referring to the continent-wide attention Medicine
Hat can obtain just by writing on some hot and wide-ranging issue.

Having easily attracted so many lobbyists on the pot issue simply by
mentioning it in an article, puts us into a whole new communication
perspective. Isn't it amazing that so many can weigh in on a topic from
such a great distance to try to influence a community they will never set
foot in? All I really have to do to get the attention of those same people
again is mention -- legalize marijuana.

Welcome back to the pro and con marijuana activists/lobbyists. Now that I
have your attention, I would like to suggest that since you want to express
your opinion in our community you should at least know a bit about us.

Medicine Hat is located in southeastern Alberta, approximately 300
kilometres (186 miles) southeast of Calgary, and 160 kilometres (99 miles)
north of the United States border. The Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 3
run directly through Medicine Hat. The population of Medicine Hat is
51,249. This makes Medicine Hat the fifth largest city in Alberta. Medicine
Hat's climate is semi-arid with dry, hot summers and mild winters. Warm
chinook winds blow during the winter months to provide pleasant weather
conditions. Medicine Hat receives 2,433 hours of sunshine per year, making
us the sunniest spot in Alberta! The average temperature for July is 23C
(73.4 F). January temperatures average -12C (9.3 F). Mean rainfall is only
230 millimetre (8.7 inches) per year.

There, now you know a bit about the community where you are trying to sway
opinions. You really should come and visit. It is a great city! Take care.

We are never alone, Medicine Hat. There are people watching when we weigh
in on 'their' issue. It gives a whole new voice to a vocal minority that
may or may not be co-ordinated. The world truly is becoming closer.

The influence of the Web is nothing new and we have been faced with this
reality for quite some time. But it is good to consider the ramifications
occasionally and to remember that you never know who's listening.