A Movement Is Born!
While the House Floor Revolution continues, I sat in on a conference call with Eric Odom and Patrick Ruffini the driving forces behind the "Don't Go" movement. The Don't Go movement has been the go-to place for those that want to follow the HRCC Oil Revolution. It is the number 1 trending topic on both Twitter and Blog Talk Radio. It showed the world (essentially) how the new media (especially the social networking sites) can be used to get around the media "gatekeepers" who decide for the people what is news and what is not. It allows the people themselves to decide if it is worthy of their time or not - which is a different post for a different day. By utilizing social networking sites like Twitter and Qwik, Rep. Culberson and Rep. Hoekstra were able to tell those outside the House Chamber what was going on inside while the cameras were off. That was all that was needed for Main STREET Media outlets like bloggers and Blog Talk Radio hosts (like Media Lizzy, Fausta and yours truly) to drive the movement forward. This movement has gathered so much momentum that Main STREAM Media had representatives (rumor had it a reporter from CNN) actually on the call.
Patrick talked about how the "most open Congress ever" (something Speaker Pelosi promised when she took over the gavel) has failed to live up to that promise. We saw hints of it during the session when the "Democratic" leadership shut down the lifeblood of democracy - open debate on the issues - using parliamentary maneuvers. Then on Friday came the ultimate when she shut off the lights and the cameras while there was still debate on the floor.
Patrick remarked that we have seen an awakening within the conservative movement. We have seen how new tools like Qwik and Twitter can be used to get the word out - to keep banging the drum on issues where debate in the House is just not allowed. It also gives them an outlet around the Main Stream Media that allows them to get the word directly to the voters. It can and should be the Conservatives best friend. One reason why this is important is George Allen. The reason that there is no more Sen. George Allen is not because of what he said - it was because the media ran it into the dirt during the August "silly season". August is a critical time because there is nothing else going on. That is what is happening now to Speaker Pelosi. If the HRCC is going to make hay out of this, they will need to keep this moving through out the month of August.
New media is breaking down the wall between Congress and the voters. They are highlighting those who are providing leadership. They are also able to shine the disinfecting light of day on those who are shirking their duties. With a soaring 9% approval rating, Congress is in a world of hurt. Those brave Republicans who have taken over the House floor in defiance of the Speaker Pelosi's diktat to cease are voicing the concerns over every American voter who has to drive to work (or take the bus or the train) and buy groceries and buy anything that is not manufactured in their town. They understand that budgets are being broken thanks to a broken energy policy. This is not to say that Republicans have "always" been right on this issue. There are many, past and present (Governor Pawlenty comes to mind) who are missing in action. However, it is good to see that there are some that understand that the only solution to our problem is an all encompassing one that INCLUDES drilling and alternative energy.
Patrick talked about how the "most open Congress ever" (something Speaker Pelosi promised when she took over the gavel) has failed to live up to that promise. We saw hints of it during the session when the "Democratic" leadership shut down the lifeblood of democracy - open debate on the issues - using parliamentary maneuvers. Then on Friday came the ultimate when she shut off the lights and the cameras while there was still debate on the floor.
Patrick remarked that we have seen an awakening within the conservative movement. We have seen how new tools like Qwik and Twitter can be used to get the word out - to keep banging the drum on issues where debate in the House is just not allowed. It also gives them an outlet around the Main Stream Media that allows them to get the word directly to the voters. It can and should be the Conservatives best friend. One reason why this is important is George Allen. The reason that there is no more Sen. George Allen is not because of what he said - it was because the media ran it into the dirt during the August "silly season". August is a critical time because there is nothing else going on. That is what is happening now to Speaker Pelosi. If the HRCC is going to make hay out of this, they will need to keep this moving through out the month of August.
New media is breaking down the wall between Congress and the voters. They are highlighting those who are providing leadership. They are also able to shine the disinfecting light of day on those who are shirking their duties. With a soaring 9% approval rating, Congress is in a world of hurt. Those brave Republicans who have taken over the House floor in defiance of the Speaker Pelosi's diktat to cease are voicing the concerns over every American voter who has to drive to work (or take the bus or the train) and buy groceries and buy anything that is not manufactured in their town. They understand that budgets are being broken thanks to a broken energy policy. This is not to say that Republicans have "always" been right on this issue. There are many, past and present (Governor Pawlenty comes to mind) who are missing in action. However, it is good to see that there are some that understand that the only solution to our problem is an all encompassing one that INCLUDES drilling and alternative energy.
Labels: Energy Policy
posted by The Lady Logician at
10:38 AM
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