4 ms·
I didn't say the floor. There is a balcony. The public can go there. It is as much a public forum as a politician's Twitter account. Much the same is at the Sup
by burfog 8y ago
I didn't say the floor. There is a balcony. The public can go there. It is as much a public forum as a politician's Twitter account. Much the same is at the Supreme Court; they offer tickets first-come-first-served if you get there early enough.
- PhasmaFelis 8y agoIt's for public observation, but that doesn't make it a public forum. To do their jobs, politicians need to (a) listen to their constituents and (b) legislate, and it makes plenty of sense to have times and places set aside for both. The legislature floor (when the politician is there, I know there's a balcony) is the latter.
- burfog 8y agoAnd the same goes for a social media account. It's a place for you to observe.
- PhasmaFelis 8y agoIf politicians were using their Twitter accounts for push notifications only, they wouldn't be blocking anyone because they wouldn't be reading anyone. A newsfeed, campaign website, or certain kinds of blog might be closer to what you're talking about. Social media is explicitly for two-way communication.
- burfog 8y agoThe courts have ruled in favor of free speech zones. I don't see why that wouldn't apply here. Your own account is your free speech zone.