Microsoft Helps GOP Reach Out to Americans

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:28:14 +0000

America deserves a Congress that respects the priorities of the people it serves. Sadly, they folks in Washington haven’t been listening to us all that much. America Speaking Out is your new opportunity to be heard. The hope is that this will bring about change in the way Congress works by having the citizens propose ideas for a new policy agenda. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat, a Republican or have no party affiliation at all. This site was create in the hopes that it will foster better communication between the U.S. government and the people of our country.

The GOP teamed up with Microsoft to develop the site. It will allow people to log on anytime they choose. There, you’ll be able to talk, blog or tweet about the issues that matter most to you, and let the Republicans know what the biggest priorities should be. California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy gave CNN an exclusive sneak peek at the site. “This is a new townhall mechanism — never used before. To me it’s revolutionary, because it allows the individual to have greater control and say. For too long, people think nobody in Washington listens to them. This starts listening across the country and lets them provide the idea, but also debate the idea,” McCarthy said.

You can log on to the site and create a profile to participate, choosing any name you would like to use (it doesn’t have to be your real name). You will have to confirm your zip code and email address. There will also be filters in place to block out offensive language and hate speech. Beyond that, you can be as anonymous as you like while interacting with the service.

The site is organized by different subjects. If you choose to click on “Fiscal accountability,” you will see headings under there for several more branches, including “waste,” “tax reform,” “budget process,” and “long term debt.” Other broad topics found on America Speaking Out covers everything from national security to the prosperity of Americans.

Within each section, users can submit a policy proposal, respond to the ideas others have submitted or debate specific proposals. Next to each topic, users can click on a Facebook or Twitter icon to take the discussion with them to their favorite social network. Also next to every idea posted, users can vote and idea up or down, much like the “like” feature found on Facebook. Sort proposals to read through by how popular they are to find out what other Americans are passionate about.

While this website may not change the world, I do feel it is a giant step in the right direction. What are your thoughts? Will you participate in the discussions?

Microsoft Helps GOP Reach Out to Americans

Are Your Government Officials on Twitter?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:36:44 +0000

Are Your Government Officials on Twitter?

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You’re on Twitter, right? I mean – who isn’t? Even your elected officials are likely on Twitter. You can find, follow and communicate with your Congressmen! All you need to do is head over to Tweet Congress to find out if your government leaders are Tweeting!

We the Tweeple of the United States, in order to form a more perfect government, establish communication, and promote transparency do hereby Tweet the Congress of the United States of America.

We built this site to scratch our own itch. While searching for our local congressmen on Twitter we were amazed at how many folks on the Hill aren’t tweeting. This site is a grass-roots effort to get our men and women in Congress to open up and have a real conversation with us.

Fill in your address on the main page to find out if your Congressmen are already on Twitter. If they are not – sign the petition to get them there! You elected them… you have the right to have a conversation with them! Most elected officials honestly do want to hear from you. How else will they know what is in your best interest, unless you tell them?

I know one thing – if MY representatives don’t get themselves onto Twitter, I’m not going to vote for them! I feel they need to be more clued in to the way the World is communicating – 140 characters at a time.

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Are Your Government Officials on Twitter?

Chris Pirillo » congress

Microsoft Helps GOP Reach Out to Americans

Are Your Government Officials on Twitter?