I especially like Laura’s comment about “robbing the ability to access their voters through multiple channels is wrong” – nice generalization. You know what? As a Maryland taxpayer, you have my permission to call Verizon and get a wireless USB broadband connection and chat that way – but you may not connect your insecure system to the legislative network. What’s up, Laura? Can’t update your FB status at work now? I’m so sorry. Get back to work, Laura.

Second, it’s IT’s job to protect the place electronically, and numerous surveys have shown that the weakest link in security is always the people being protected. One recommendation about “training” personnel above made me laugh – people do whatever they want without regard for security, my friend. For many of these people, if they acted at home like they act online, they’d leave their front doors open at night and invite perfect strangers into their houses, then be oblivious to anything those people did in their homes.

This blog also shows how people apparently can’t read any longer. Mary, the memo says they’re blocking *both* Facebook and MySpace, not just one.

Seen to rudely plod the hall
To have himself look large though small
Followed by the other two
At least one of which hath not a clue

Known betimes as Mike the Knife
He scowls and howls and thrives on strife
His head is packed with plans and plots
His greedy eyes seek out weak spots

Computers rule, so I’m the man
What else can I usurp or ban
Hmm, Facebook, why is that allowed
I’ll claim a virus and they’ll be cowed

Oh, sing a dirge for Mr. Gee
His power grab was sad to see
He made the blogs, he caused a fuss
His hubris made the members cuss

So now his pix with egg-smeared face
Is featured on his own “MySpace”
Oh, sing a dirge for Mr.Gee
His grip’s not what it used to be.

Also, with so many legislators having facebook it is another way to foster strong relationships with people in the district. A way to know what their voters are concerned about, what their interests are, etc.

I think the larger issue here is that IT is deciding what the legislators can and cannot do online. They are citizens elected to serve the people in their districts and robbing them of the ability to access their voters through multiple channels is flat out wrong.

It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to educate the DLS staff on how to configure and use both services in a safe manner. (Think defensive driving.) Perhaps MySpace and Facebook will use this opportunity to reach out and help make it happen.

In turn, Maryland would be setting a fine example of responsible social networking for others to follow and build upon.