Transparency via Twitter: Let Congress Tweet!

I’m a little late in covering Twittergate, the controversy swirling around Congressman John Culberson (R-TX) and his right to tweet from the House floor. In case you missed it, Cong. Culberson got into a little hot water with the House Dems when it was learned he was communicating with his constituents in real time via microblogging. The congressman defended his actions, saying his tweets gave his constituents updates on how he voted on bills, and why. He also uses Twitter to exchange ideas on policy and politics with other congressmen, staff, and constituents.

NPR gives the details on the controversy:

In essence, members of Congress are forbidden to post on any Website that might include politicking or advertising, at least in their capacities as representatives. Communications on external sites must be clearly identified as coming from a House of Representatives official for official business.

For Rep. John Culberson, a Texas Republican, the rules amount to a virtual gag order. Culberson opened a Twitter account to help him stay in touch with his consituents. Because the microblogging service allows only 140 characters per post, adding the required language is almost impossible. Faced with an official crackdown, Culberson began working to change the rules. “Send to all: Congress, change the rules,” he posted on the site this week. “Talk to us on our social networks. http://LetOurCongressTweet.org Let our Congress Tweet!”

Culberson is joined in his fight by Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) and hordes of 2.0 activists. If you want to follow Cong. Culberson on Twitter, or just want to see what all the fuss is all about, go here.

My question to the House Dem leadership is: In a time of low Congressional approval ratings, why do you want to be LESS transparent with the American people? OPEN UP AND TWEET!

Here’s what others have to say on Twittergate:
Patrick Ruffini from The Next Right
Heather Havenstein from ComputerWorld
George Donnelly from Arm Your Mind for Liberty

If you blogged on Twittergate, post the link in the comments and I’ll add it to the list.