August 27, 2009

The Lion of the Web

Of all the things Ted Kennedy managed to accomplish during his extensive Senate career, one of the most lasting was his pioneering use of the internet to reach out to his constituents.

As the Sunlight Foundation's Paul Blumenthal explains, Kennedy was approached in 1993 with the suggestion that he create an online web presence so his constituents could stay in contact with him. He signed off on the idea, saying, "If you can find a way for me to reach constituents using computer networks, do it." Upon launching the website, Kennedy became the first Senator online.

While his first website might look outdated now, it was revolutionary for its time.

In this day and age a politician without a Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube page is the one behind the times. Thanks to Senator Kennedy for recognizing the importance of the internet in keeping elected officials accountable and accessible.
Share
Posted by Eric Davis at 9:21 PM

2 comments:

  1. silly me. there i was thinking he was just a drunken, philandering killer.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Ted Kennedy was one of the least accesible scumbags in Congress, a place filled with scumbags. He didn't give a damn about anyone but himself, other Kennedys and his cronies, hookers and other alcoholics. He didn't need to because of the stupid and corrupt electorate in Massachusets. I know, I live about 10 miles west of Boston in a very left-wing, establishment city. That said there are many people in Mass. and New England who despised him and the corruption and abuse of power he really stood for. Now that he's finally dead and the local newspaper guild is dying also there is a good chance of finally reforming one of the most corrupt but potentially wealthiest states in the Union. Just because he had the first website in the Senate doesn't mean he gave a damn about the electorate, I assure he didn't and he didn't need to either.
    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)