Twitter recently announced that they will once again allow their API (secret code) to be used for the preservation of politicians deleted tweets on websites like Politwoops. This is great for transparency and accountability.
I found three different accounts that illustrate the questionable ways elected officials conduct themselves on Twitter and why preservation of their tweets is so important.
- US Congressman Ted Lieu
Rep. Lieu has his public account, @RepTedLieu. On it you will see that he posts retweets from his private account, @tedlieu:
@tedlieu @RepTedLieu do you support TPP?
— Oliver-Sweeney-Loeb (@dd10023) December 23, 2015
My call for SEC to investigate @getolympus for failing to disclose its medical scopes can kill patients. #olympus https://t.co/vLcxB9YHKr
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) December 21, 2015
However, Lieu uses his private account to retweet posts from his public account, discuss public business, and to either endorse or oppose political candidates:
I'm still taking questions 4 my teletown hall TOMORROW @ 6:30PM PT. Send me ur questions on FB & Twitter w/ #TedTalks33 OR call 877-353-4701
— Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) December 14, 2015
Rep @MaxineWaters & I are urging regulators to conduct a systematic safety review of #ExxonMobil #Torrance refinery. https://t.co/R3pcQGhM2i
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) December 10, 2015
My statement on why @realDonaldTrump is just a really awful person. #DonaldTrump https://t.co/D8tIXMwzIf
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) December 9, 2015
Excerpts of my interview on @democracynow regarding our call for #DOJ to investigate #ExxonMobil. https://t.co/XY6XvY7HV5 #Exxonknew
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) October 21, 2015
I'm ranking member on hearing on law enforcement use of cell-site simulators, #Stingray. U can watch at 11 am PST. https://t.co/zF7XF7BdUr
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) October 21, 2015
If you want to work longer & get less, you should vote for #JebBush. But if u care about the 99%, then retweet this: http://t.co/U5xMdHzwHW
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) July 9, 2015
Honored to meet with @HillaryClinton today w/ @CAPAC Members. Looking forward to electing her as our next President! pic.twitter.com/bsM6WUw7C9
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) July 14, 2015
You can help elect our next President: "@HillaryClinton: Be a part of this campaign from the very beginning: https://t.co/J7dKdRtCz8"
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 12, 2015
- Virginia House of Delegates Rep. David Ramadan
Rep. Ramadan took an opportunity to use his Twitter account to call a woman a troll because she dared to inquire about his campaign finances. Ramadan's response was deplorable:
@mao2u2 You are not the Public since you do not represent an organization nor are you inquiring as a reporter --thus you're a #troll
— Hon. David I Ramadan (@DavidIRamadan) December 23, 2015
Ramadan's term ends this week.
- Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney
What can I say about Kenney? He just became mayor of a major city and he has a history of using profane language:
"@lmbdiamonds: @JimFKenney take your butt fucking, fish licking ass holes and stick them up your ass... like the big dick you probably like.
— Jim Kenney (@JimFKenney) August 3, 2012
Chris Christie is sitting on his very fat ass next to Jerry Jones in his box at the Linc. You suck! Kissing Texas ass for 2016! Awful!
— Jim Kenney (@JimFKenney) December 15, 2014
Welcome to Phiily tourists! Now get you're ass into the street. Sidewalk takings trump you! pic.twitter.com/QO1VtWoW3p
— Jim Kenney (@JimFKenney) July 19, 2014
Am I wrong? Belligerent DHeads who post rotten ass Tweets are blocked by me. I Tweet with full disclosure. Why are rotten folks cowardly?
— Jim Kenney (@JimFKenney) February 21, 2014
Mayor Kenney just posted this tweet:
A new address, a new job, and a new twitter account! You can still reach me at @JimFKenney but be sure to follow me here for official biz.
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) January 4, 2016
So, with the return of Politwoops I hope that these tweets, and the many others just like them, continue to be saved in order to further promote transparency and accountability in our government.
