Lawrence Lessig, a Stanford Law Professor, author and Internet civil liberties advocate made two annoucements on his blog this week – the formation of Change Congress and that he is considering a run for Congress in California’s 12th District to fill the seat of late Congressman Tom Lantos.

As a self-proclaimed “progressive (pc word for liberal),” Lessig will most likely face former state Sen. Jackie Speier in the Democratic primary and he responded to strong objections from some that his entrance into the race would only serve to stall her “deserved” bid.Will Oremus of the San Jose Mercury News reports: 

Known as a fighter for the public interest in the Internet age, Lessig has picked Congress as his latest target. His bid to replace the late Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo, would be part of his broader campaign finance reform project, called “Change Congress.”

“My goal is to get Democrats and Republicans to agree on some fundamental principles that need to be reformed so Congress regains the confidence of the people,” Lessig said. The question now is whether running for office himself is the best way to do that.

Not surpisingly, Lessig and his supporters have engaged heavily online through Lessig08.org, DraftLessig.org, 4Lessig’s “Hackfest” event, Change Congress video, and a Draft Lessig for Congress group on Facebook boasting almost 4,200 members to date. He plans to announce his decision by March 1.

UPDATE 2/27/08

Lessig’s Bid for Congress Ends As Quickly As Begins (WP, Post I.T. blog)

As President Bush wraps up his weeklong trip to Africa today, there is some discussion as whether he has been given due credit for his strong commitment to the people of the region during his tenure.  Under President Bush, the United States has developed extensive progams and initiatives for Africa to address the issues of education, poverty, human rights, democracy, economic development, and health concerns such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other treatable diseases.

Jim Long (aka newmediajim), conducted a fascinating impromptu mobile video interview with Irish musician and political activist Sir Bob Geldof, of “We Are the World,” Band Aid, World Aid and The ONE Campaign fame. He has also teamed up with friend and U2 frontman, Bono, in many of these and other global charity endeavors. 

Sir Geldof stated that because of Iraq, the media, as well as many Americans and others in the world, understandably turned their focus away from the U.S. efforts and achievements in Africa.  He praised the President for his leadership and aid to the continent from day one “since he came into the job” stating that “what’s happening in Africa is probably the best that America has done, right up until now.”

At the end of the interview, Sir Geldof was asked about human rights violations in China and how that might affect the upcoming Summer 2008 Olympics slated for August 8th-24th in Beijing.  He called on the Chinese to “act responsibly” and encouraged citizens of the world to “turn off the telly” to get attention of advertisers in an effort to increase the pressure and make a telling impact. 

On Tuesday, Mrs. Laura Bush hosted Ask the White House and answered questions about the trip and U.S. Africa policy.  I also encourage you to read Ambassador Jendayi Frazer’s chat from April 2006 where she discusses the Sudan crisis in Darfur.

Update
After returning from a weeklong visit to Africa, President George W. Bush addressed the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation in Washington, DC on 2/26/2008 and narrated a photo slideshow from the trip.