A Suggestion to the White House
Dear White House Public Relations People,
I have recently had the opportunity to read your blog. I am glad that you are entering the 21st century. Really, I am sure this is a great way of informing the public of what you are doing and helping to promote your plans via the internet.
I am writing specifically because of your entry of August 4th, linked here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/
I understand the need to try to refute some of the crazy rumors circulating on the internet about healthcare and any other number issues. However, asking Americans to report their neighbors to the White House for sending stupid e-mail forwards may be viewed fairly dimly, especially by those already suspicious of the administration, who are coincidentally the people starting the rumors. This seems likely to become a vicious cycle as the number of rumors about the flag@whitehouse.gov address are likely to go through the roof.
I might also caution that while asking Americans to report communications that are critical of administration, it may not be such a good idea to lead with a quote from "our second president". It turns out that while his quote, "the facts are stubborn things", is accurate, it also remains that our second president, John Adams, instituted the Alien and Sedition Act, sort of a 19th century PATRIOT Act. The Alien and Sedition Act effectively illegalized criticizing the president, so it is unlikely that people will be put at ease by the current administration using John Adams as a source in attempting to justify keeping tabs on dissent.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful in your future internet adventures.
Sincerely,
Anonymous (Name redacted to prevent a tax audit that someone in an e-mail said you would do)
I have recently had the opportunity to read your blog. I am glad that you are entering the 21st century. Really, I am sure this is a great way of informing the public of what you are doing and helping to promote your plans via the internet.
I am writing specifically because of your entry of August 4th, linked here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/
I understand the need to try to refute some of the crazy rumors circulating on the internet about healthcare and any other number issues. However, asking Americans to report their neighbors to the White House for sending stupid e-mail forwards may be viewed fairly dimly, especially by those already suspicious of the administration, who are coincidentally the people starting the rumors. This seems likely to become a vicious cycle as the number of rumors about the flag@whitehouse.gov address are likely to go through the roof.
I might also caution that while asking Americans to report communications that are critical of administration, it may not be such a good idea to lead with a quote from "our second president". It turns out that while his quote, "the facts are stubborn things", is accurate, it also remains that our second president, John Adams, instituted the Alien and Sedition Act, sort of a 19th century PATRIOT Act. The Alien and Sedition Act effectively illegalized criticizing the president, so it is unlikely that people will be put at ease by the current administration using John Adams as a source in attempting to justify keeping tabs on dissent.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful in your future internet adventures.
Sincerely,
Anonymous (Name redacted to prevent a tax audit that someone in an e-mail said you would do)