Congress Is Now In Session
Posted: Wednesday 05 January, 2011
Erica Whiteman
When I was a kid, we learned about the process of congressional issues, passing bills and other ideas via history books and through educational videos such as School House Rocks’ “I’m Just a Bill.” This video featured a rolled up piece of paper sitting on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC explaining to a child how he is waiting for Congress to vote so he can be passed into a law. The “Bill” tells his story in a bluesy style song that has stuck with me for over 20 years.
Today marks a historical beginning of congress resuming with its newly elected congressmen and women. From midday EST, House Speaker, John Boehner will be using Facebook to stream the opening day of the 112th Congress. Those who wish to watch the live stream will have to “like” the official House of Representatives page, A Pledge to America. Before, constituents would have to write or phone their local representatives and congress, but now with Social Media, it opens up a whole new way to communicate. Hopefully the politicians will embrace this open door policy of communication for “We, the people” and take democracy to a whole new level.
