Twitter your way to political ruin
"I know this Twitter thingy!"
Sometimes, it is necessary to look at just how well our elected officials are representing our interests. Considering the speed at which information flows in our modern age, it is wise for everyone to have at least a passing knowledge of online social media and communications platforms like Twitter. This holds true for politicians as well, and how they use technology to do their jobs for taxpayers. Taxpayers who need money. Taxpayers who wonder why their officials would take the choice to use cash advance and unsecured loans away from them.
Unfortunately, there are those politicians like Michigan Representative Peter Hoekstra (R) who think that Twitter is great way to express what’s really on their minds. At least two times, the man has either placed himself and others in danger or offended the struggling masses with questionable statements. The first instance occurred a few months back during a trip to Baghdad, Iraq. Via his Blackberry, he Twittered convoy location info that could conceivably have placed everyone on the convoy in danger of terrorist attack (see the video at the end of this post for this story on “The Rachel Maddow Show”).
Now, Rep. Hoekstra has made a stunningly insensitive and uninformed statement comparing the comparatively inane activities of House Republicans to those of Iranian people who are struggling for political self-determination (and their lives) after a rigged political election.
What did the Hoekstra tweet?
Yesterday, Hoekstra posted a tweet in which he compared “the oppression of the Iranian people to the plight of House Republicans,” writes Talking Points Memo: “Iranian twitter activity similar to what we did in House last year when Republicans were shut down in the House.”
Yes. Mr. Hoekstra. It’s exactly like that! And you know what? My morning shower was just like Washington crossing the Delaware!
Since such a statement deserves a special response, Talking Points compiled a list of some of the most memorable Twitter users across the World Wide Web have left for Rep. Hoekstra. This is Democracy in action, giving the people the power to speak directly to their elected officials about what they’re thinking. Thank you, Twitter. You are a great American… thingy. Please be warned that if you are a sensitive sort, your hair’s going to get mussed:
ArjunJaikumar @petehoekstra i spilled some lukewarm coffee on myself just now, which is somewhat analogous to being boiled in oil
chrisbaskind @petehoekstra My neighbor stopped me to talk today. Now I know what it is like to be questioned by the Basij!
luckbfern @petehoekstra I stand in solidarity with the oppressed rich white men of Repub Party in the House. #GOPfail
aciolino @petehoekstra Today I poked my finger on a hanger. Now I know what all those aborted babies go through.
ceedub7 @petehoekstra I got a splinter in my hand today. Felt just like Jesus getting nailed to the cross.
netw3rk @petehoekstra Someone walked in on me while I was in the bathroom. Reminded me of Pearl Harbor.
MattOrtega Walked out onto Constitution Ave in D.C. and was almost hit by a taxi. Reminded me of Tienanmen Square.
tharodge @petehoekstra maybe now is a good time to reconsider whether you are ready for national politics?
TahirDuckett @petehoekstra ran through the sprinklers this morning, claimed solidarity with victims of Hurricane Katrina
paganmist @petehoekstra Had to move all my stuff to a new office w/o a corner view. Now i know what the Trail of Tears was like. #GOPfail
#GOPfail
Thank you, Rep. Hoekstra, for making us laugh at Twitter again. Mission accomplished!
Related Video:
Oh my word – where do they find these people? The Republicans losing House Majority status – which has to do with elections, and the people voted for more Democrats than Republicans due to dissatisfaction with the Republican party, for which he should be blaming himself and George Bush – is some how analogous to the recent election in Iran, or that Democrats are on par with Ahmadinejad? Not the brightest guy no the planet.
It doesn’t matter what social networking site you’re on, you should always be careful with the way you walk and talk, even more if you uphold a respectable position within the government. People are watching everything you do. Nowadays, even employers are trying to crack into your personal social network profile just to find out what type of person you really are. Everything you do on the internet is taken seriously and can no doubt be used against you in many different ways.
*headscritiches* From how I read it, he’s not comparing the Iranian situation to the House thing; he’s saying that the Iranians on Twitter updating in short messages what’s happening on the ground as it happens is similar to what the Rep activity were doing last year. Which is quite a different kettle of lurking aquatics.
Having said that, the sarky comments back were funny..