As I have noted before, the Louisiana Lege has one of the best websites in the country for getting information about what our leges are doing, especially during lege sessions.
Recently, while searching for some information I saw the “News Link” page of the House Communications Office.
In addition to recent news stories from around the state, it links many of the state’s print and electronic media. At that time it linked four blogs by Louisiana citizens under the heading “Louisiana Publications.”
Since there are many more such blogs in Louisiana, I contacted Cory Stewart, Director of the office to ask who decides which blogs are linked under “Louisiana Publications” and the criteria.Cory’s response was:The sites linked under the section “Louisiana Publications” are those that do not necessarily fall under the definition of “news media² for tv or print, but serve as other mediums for balanced journalism regarding Louisiana Politics. (Emphasis mine.)
“Balanced journalism” is rather amorphous and subjective, especially for a taxpayer-funded website.
But, I digress.
The mission statement of the Communication Office of the Louisiana House of Representatives is:The Mission of the House Communications Office is to advance Louisiana and the House as an institution by helping its Members and staff gather, consider and fully discuss all ideas; to increase public engagement; to foster confidence; and to build goodwill. (Emphasis mine.)
Since the mission statement includes fully discussing “all ideas,” I requested my website be linked because:- It contains factual, objective, information such as legislative voting records going back to 2000.
– It also contains commentary on legislative, governmental and political issues.
– It offers serious solutions to matters facing our state and pending before the legislature. Many of these solutions are not offered elsewhere.
– The site contains useful to the public in accessing information about the legislature.
In response to my request, the Communications Office deleted the four blogs previously linked. In other words, the response to a request to “fully discuss all ideas” none are discussed.
That, folks, is how your House of Representatives goes about its mission to “build goodwill.”
It also explains how little the La. House of Representatives values input from the citizens of Louisiana.
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