Should Elected Officials Respond to Blogs?

Some times it is difficult to respond to someone who is both nasty and anonymous about how they think you are doing in your job. Therefore, many choose not to get involved. Those who blog can be incredulous about the lack of response, but it is understandable.

In our country, folks enjoy the right of being able to confront one’s accuser. It is a cornerstone of our system of justice. With many willing to point the finger, it is easy to see why this would carry over into other avenues of discourse in our daily lives. Why should someone respond to one who’s credibility is in unknown, and therefore, in doubt?

Credibility is everything in communication. It is how we weigh what is said. It makes us careful with our words and statements knowing that our credibility is on the line. Quite frankly, Mr. Anonymous has no credibility. Oh, he or she may be correct, but they come to the table with zero credibility since motives are also a consideration when we evaluate the truth and fairness of any statements or conversations we have with another person.

On any given blog, outrageous claims can be made, without any validation, by someone of no reputation. The problem with most folks is when they see something in print, they tend to believe it. After all, “Inquiring Minds want to know…” . In the midst of all this comes an elected official who is challenged in deciding if engaging in post responses is worthwhile.

I choose to engage. I enjoy the additional challenges that a blog and subsequent posts can present, but I also believe they can be an effective tool for communication in a real time atmosphere. In my opinion, it is not as good or effective as face to face meetings. Neither is it as effective as a simple phone call. It also lacks the follow up that an email allows. I prefer the aforementioned methods, but I will not back away from the blogs.

What is it about the other forms of communication that I find superior? It is the relationships that are built as a result. This is one thing that is sorely missing from the blogs. It is difficult to have relationships with personifications. We may think we know the person, but they are really just a made up character in our mind. We only know what they write about themselves, and they generally do not reveal anything that would make them look bad. A guy with no job, no hair, and no life can be Prince Charming with a few mouse clicks and some interesting prose.

Our society cautions children about this all of the time so they are careful when they are on line. “You do not truly know who you are talking to on line…”. This carries over to blogs as well. We simply do not know, hence the credibility gap. This does not mean people are not who they represent themselves to be, it only means that until we meet people face to face, our knowledge is limited and we should remain skeptical.

There are those who have chosen to use their true identity, as I do. I think this is important for those who are elected and I encourage others to do so as well. Building bridges and establishing relationships with folks is paramount for good government. It is the way of true accountability.

I get concerned when I see people turning more to a screen name than to their neighbors. I also know that there are many more checks and balances when we deal with people face to face. If blogging promotes more real relationships, it would go a long way in aiding society. My fear is that it may be moving us away from one another, and we are sacrificing what is real with that which is speculative at best.