Is this the future? The Redesign of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website

Recently in the Washington Note, Steve Clemmons threatened to create a facebook group entitled "One Million Strong Against Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website" (which can be viewed here).  Clemmon's threats were premature as Sen. Kerry hired Brian Young to redesign the committee's website.  Below Young describes the goals of the redesign and is soliciting feedback via comments:

Because we're not just looking to spruce up the website, drag it into the 21st century with links to press releases, video of hearings, etc, etc. We want to do more than that; we want to create a website worthy of the Committee. Of all Committees in Congress, this is the one most suited for a powerful, interactive website . . . [Senator Kerry] wants a site that creates a portal into the foreign policy deliberations this nation needs to have to meet the challenges of the 21st century.  This site will be designed to involve people in a conversation about the future of this country's foreign policy.  And, since the Internet knows no borders, it can be a worldwide conversation - a conversation across and between cultures - as we deal with the great threats and challenges facing us now: terrorism, economic upheaval, climate disruption, nuclear proliferation, Middle East peace, disease, poverty -- the whole spectrum of worldwide issues.  

Is this the future of U.S. public diplomacy?  Imagine a website that broadcasts full and edited versions of hearings, has individual Senators and their staff blog, produces weekly podcasts focused on the most pressing topics, sponsors chats between the commitee and the globe.  Oh, and is available in multiple languages.  The technology exists to make this possible.  As the world becomes increasingly connected via the Internet, resources like the one described by Young may one day take on the functions of the traditional institutions of PD.   It will be interesting to see what Young does create and hopefully State will take note as they evolve beyond DipNote.

Make sure to comment at the Washington Note.  Young has said that he will be monitoring the comments for feedback.