Politics and the internet are very much intertwined nowadays. Obama had a great online campaign; parties and politicians have facebook profiles and twitter accounts. They use every channel to reach possible voters. But there’s this one area where politics and technology don’t go hand in hand. Well, at least in the USA. There’s this one place, where politics has put up a “Technology and progress, please keep out”-sign. It’s at the very heart of politics: Washington D.C.
So far representatives were not allowed to bring cell phones, iphones or blackberries into parliament. Which doesn’t mean that some haven’t tried so far. There’s been one incident in March of 2010 when a politician complained that a colleague took a picture of him while he has been sound asleep. This opened up another discussion about electronic devices in parliament, which had been forbidden so far. That’s totally understandable. Who would want someone to take a picture of them, while they are asleep at work?! This is a fair enough argument to ban progress from Washington D.C.
Shortly after this, another incident heated up the discussion once again. A lady by the name of Nolan got messages from outside, which helped her answering the questions she’s been asked in parliament. The cell phone as prompter – that’s not new. I’m sure there has been a number of students who hid their cell phone on the toilet to get some help in an exam. At least most of them were clever enough not to get caught in the act.
With Republicans gaining more power after midterm elections, there could be some change to ancient rules. They want to allow electronic devices on the floor as long as they don’t disturb anyone (“impair decorum” as it’s officially called). Let’s wait and see. Maybe one final day we can congratulate them: Welcome to the 21st century!
by US_watch
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