While at first glance the online petition process sounds like a great way to give voice to the people, it's clear that the system doesn't actually lead to real results. True to their word, the White House does issue responses to those that receive the minimum number of signatures required, but has a single petition actually led to any sort of action beyond that "we hear you!" reply?
Worse yet, these petitions could actually have a negative effect by convincing citizens that the mere act of signing is enough to cause change. It creates the illusion that you've helped a cause without actually doing so. "I signed the petition, why do I need to volunteer/donate/call my representative/etc.?"
Let's stop pretending that these petitions actually do anything and move on.