Category: Ayesha Aleem
To Tweet or not to Tweet: A Question for Politicians
Twitter
New Bedford Standard-Times
Ayesha Aleem
Boston University Washington News Service
Oct. 7, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Barney Frank doesn’t use Twitter. And he doesn’t intend on turning to the microblogging Web site anytime soon, either.
“I’m not that interested in what people had for lunch. Or if they couldn’t get their shoes on in the morning,” Frank said.
But the 4th District Democrat has a Facebook page with more than 9,000 supporters.
Social networking tools are not just the preserve of college students anymore. Increasingly, Web sites such as Facebook and Twitter have turned into an effective means for politicians to reach out to their constituents.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., has an extensive Facebook page, an active Twitter account and a blog that he keeps current.
“I like the way the social media has opened up communication to and from elected leaders,” Kerry said in a statement. “I can get a great feel for a wide variety of opinions by reading the responses to blog posts or following the messages I get on Twitter and Facebook.”
For example, here’s a recent tweet from Kerry’s Twitter: “Gearing up for Wednesday. Barbara Boxer and I to introduce Senate climate change bill then. Much more to come.”
Rep. Richard Neal, D-2nd, doesn’t use either Twitter or Facebook, while the Web page for the campaign of Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-5th, has widgets for a Facebook, Flickr and MySpace presence, as well as video clips of campaign events. Widgets are small tabs of information that users can host on their Web sites using HTML code.
However, Tsongas’s Facebook page has restricted privacy, which requires a person’s request to be accepted before gaining access to the profile page. The Web page was created more than two years ago with these settings, but there is a possibility of changing it to a public page, said John Noble, press secretary for Tsongas, in an e-mail message.
Frank’s Facebook page was originally set up by Facebook when the Web site created pages for members of Congress, said Harry Gural, press secretary for Frank. But Frank’s staff has since taken over administrative rights to the Web page and is in charge of its content, which they update about once or twice a week. Frank has also been a contributing writer for The Huffington Post, an online publication.
“Facebook is an important way of reaching out to people who are interested in the issues but who haven’t participated in traditional political ways,” Frank said in a telephone interview. The visual elements of these tools are valuable communication, he said.
The congressman has an interesting opinion about Twitter. “I do not regard 140 characters [the limit imposed on a tweet] a useful way to convey things. Twitter did play an important role in the Iranian revolution, where they were being oppressed. I think if you aren’t being oppressed, you should not restrict yourself to 140 characters.”
Frank does have an unofficial Twitter page that he said he was unaware of. He said it constituted “dishonesty, deception, forgery” and was “very anti-democratic” that someone would attribute statements to him that he never made.
“It’s outrageous. It’s not just unfair to me; it’s most unfair to the readers,” he said. “I don’t want people to think it came from me.”
Not everyone in the Massachusetts delegation is enthusiastic about online tools. Democratic Rep. James McGovern, D-3rd, for example, is slightly more elusive. He maintains only a public Facebook page that his fans and supporters can be a part of. Currently, the site hosts more that 1,700 members and is updated approximately once a week. McGovern’s page differs from Frank’s in that it is mostly supporters, not McGovern, who post to it. i.
“We send out e-mails, we have an e-newsletter that goes out to people, we make phone calls” to reach out to people, said Michael Mershon, press secretary for McGovern. “But Twitter and a blog is just not something he’s interested in.” Elaborating, Mershon added, “They are a new and instantaneous way of communicating with people. It’s important to do as much as we can without being distracted by the bells and whistles and don’t ignore people who communicate using more traditional methods.”
Rep. John Olver, D-1st, has a modest Facebook following of less than 300 supporters and no Twitter presence. Neal’s office could not be reached for a comment.
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“Thousands of People Come Together to Celebrate Books – How Great is That!”
NBF
New Bedford Standard-Times
Ayesha Aleem
Boston University Washington News Service
Sept. 26, 2009
WASHINGTON – Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, co-authors of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” were two of the more than 70 writers and illustrators participating Saturday in the 9th annual National Book Festival.
“It’s the highlight of my life,” said DiTerlizzi, third-time attendee, about the festival. “This is on a crazy, huge, Lollapalooza scale. Thousands of people come together to celebrate books – how great is that!”
The book festival, hosted by the Library of Congress, is an annual event that invites authors to interact with readers through book signings, readings and question and answer sessions. Started in 2001 by first lady Laura Bush, the festival is held on the National Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
Black, of Amherst, and DiTerlizzi, who lives in western Massachusetts, were two of six Massachusetts authors participating in the festival, which drew more than 100,000 people. The others were Jeff Kinney, Mary Brigid Barrett, Julia Glass and Lois Lowry.
DiTerlizzi writes “imagination books,” by his own description, “because we need more of that, especially in books.” His books are mainly targeted to nine- to 11-year-olds, he said, although he has done picture books for younger children too.
“It was the time in my life that I became a reader,” DiTerlizzi said in a telephone interview. “This is when children are past the age of struggling to learn to read and now read because they enjoy it. To be part of that magic – what story will you tell that will make a child a reader – at a time when video games and outdoor activities are so interesting.”
DiTerlizzi’s latest book is the series finale of “Spiderwick,” about friction caused when a blended family comes together.
Holly Black explained in a telephone interview how fantasy books can be used to explore themes in reality. Anger, for example, is shameful and negative, she said. But it’s easier to talk about it differently, through fantasy, like as a werewolf. Once a month, it becomes a monster and hurts the people it loves. “I don’t think it’s escapist,” said Black of fantasy.
Jeff Kinney of Plainville posed with young readers for photographs and was particular he signed their books before speaking to the media. Originally from Fort Washington, Md., he was back is his “hometown,” he said, for his latest book, “The Wimpy Kid: Dog Days,” expected to be released in October.
Lois Lowry, who lives in Cambridge, is author of “The Giver” and a first-time festival attendee. She had been invited before but only came this year, she said. “I’m an ardent Democrat,” she said. “I had trouble coming during the Bush administration.”
Her latest book, “Crow Call,” which will be published next month, is “autobiographical,” she said. “It’s about a child, me, groping her way to get reacquainted with her father after he returns from war. In my case, it was World WarII.”
Lowry said she doesn’t have a message for her readers. “I try to tell a good story. There are probably messages within it. But the message is different for each reader.”
Opening speeches were given by James H. Billington, the Library of Congress librarian, and author John Grisham. Other authors at the festival included Judy Blume, Nicholas Sparks and Sabiha Al Khemir.
The book sales tent closed intermittently as organizers regulated the number of people inside. A throng of people gathered at the entrance to buy books before lining up to get their books signed by the author. Visitors formed long queues in front of the signing tables, camping patiently with backpacks and strollers.
But clearly the children were having the most fun. Costumed characters posed for photographs with the youngest visitors and activity tables with laptops and others with crayons and coloring books kept them busy. A carousel provided rides beside a cinnamon almonds stand. Barbequed fare was available on another side of the Mall. Even the rain, which surfaced in the afternoon, could not play spoilsport, with raincoats and umbrellas appearing quickly as families, individuals and avid readers celebrated the spirit of reading.
Vice President Biden Swears in New Massachusetts Senator
SWEARING IN
New Bedford Standard-Times
Ayesha Aleem
Boston University Washington News Service
Sept. 25, 2009
WASHINGTON – Paul Kirk was sworn in as interim Massachusetts senator by Vice President Joe Biden in the Capitol on Friday, one month after the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, whose position Kirk will be filling.
Kirk, who is a lawyer and chairman of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston, will occupy the Senate seat only until a replacement is elected in a special election in January.
“This is the highest honor in my life,” the new senator said. Kirk said he wanted to participate in the health care reform bill but added, “I’m aware I’m the freshman in the class.”
Rep. Barney Frank in a telephone interview Friday afternoon called Kirk a “thoughtful, intelligent man who understands the way the political process works” and said Kirk will do a “perfect job” as interim senator.
“Obviously it’s only for a few months but it’s going to be a very critical few months,” Frank said. “Some of the most important decisions that could be made by the national government will be made in that time.”
Frank also said Kirk would be a “knowledgeable and effective advocate for the state and for the things that people in the state care about.”
Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., accompanied Kirk to the front of the Senate chamber where Vice President Joe Biden swore in Kirk, who placed his hand on a red Bible.
Approximately 300 people filled the visitors’ gallery. The ceremony was attended by Sen. Kennedy’s widow, Vicki Kennedy, who sat with other guests in a separate gallery box.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., sat with other officials on the Senate floor. A reenactment ceremony for press photographs was conducted in the old Senate chamber following the event.
Kirk graduated from Harvard College in 1960 and Harvard Law School in 1964. He is chairman and chief financial officer of Kirk & Associates, a business consulting firm in Boston.
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A Hero from Massachusetts is Honored in Ceremony at the Pentagon
HALL OF HEROS
New Bedford Standard-Times
Ayesha Aleem
Boston University Washington News Service
Sept. 18, 2009
WASHINGTON. – At a formal ceremony that celebrated his life, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on Friday. Described at the event as the Pentagon’s most sacred place, the Hall of Heroes honors recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Monti was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Thursday by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at The White House. The soldier’s parents, Paul and Janet Monti, and his brother, Timothy, and sister, Nicole, attended the ceremony. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates were also present at the White House. This is the first Medal of Honor presented by President Obama.
The Pentagon ceremony, attended by approximately 200 family members, friends and soldiers who served with Monti, began with the national anthem and a prayer. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, speaking of Monti, said, “Thank you for being of service to the Army and this nation.”
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren quoted Calvin Coolidge: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
Based on information provided by family members, Geren narrated how Monti had sat at the kitchen table at his Aunt Patricia’s house in Plymouth, Mass., while on leave. That was their last conversation where aunt and nephew spoke about Monti’s future – the possibility of college, starting a family.
“But for now, the priority was the military,” said Geren.
William J. Lynn, deputy secretary of defense, addressing Monti’s parents, said, “We salute your son. We honor him, we salute him and we will always remember him.”
Against a blue-curtained backdrop, Monti’s parents, with members of the military, unveiled the Hall of Heroes plaque honoring their son. Paul Monti received a standing ovation before reminiscing about his son’s life. “I accept this award in his name and thank each one of you men and women in the Army who protect our freedom and our way of life.”
A gallery at the entrance of the auditorium displayed childhood and other photographs of Monti.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the Unites States to a member of the armed forces for demonstrating gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty and at the risk of life. Only 3,448 Medals of Honor have been given since the award was established in 1862.
Thirty-year-old Monti was a team leader in Afghanistan heading a 16-man patrol which had been on the road for three days when it encountered as many as 50 enemy fighters on June 21, 2006. He was killed in a grenade blast, during a third attempt to rescue a wounded comrade.
He is the sixth service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the launch of the Global War on Terror in 2001 and the first Massachusetts resident to receive this honor since 1970, when Navy Capt. Thomas G. Kelley was honored for actions in the Vietnam War. Kelley is currently the secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services of Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts Protesters Join Taxpayers March in Capital
PROTEST
New Bedford Standard-Times
Ayesha Aleem and Burcu Karakas
Boston University Washington News Service
Sept. 12, 2009
WASHINGTON –Protesting a host of issues from health care reform to the stimulus packages, tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Washington Saturday to demonstrate for lower taxes and less government.
Among the protesters was Bill King of Massachusetts who had arrived with others from the Bay State on Friday evening. “There’s too much government spending, too much chaos in the government,” said King. “It is time for positive change. There is too much corruption and no accountability.”
Groups of people came from across the country, marching under banners that announced the name of their state. Others marched on their own in a parade that extended 14 blocks between Freedom Plaza and the Capitol.
A boat-shaped float, symbolic of the Boston Tea Party, was part of the march. People aboard the float cheered protesters alongside. Families, young people, the elderly and disabled shouted slogans and carried signs. Even children joined in holding placards that read, “Stop spending my future.”
The march, originally scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., started earlier at 10:45 a.m. A predominantly white crowd carried bold signs with messages such as “Joe Wilson for President” or “My Hero: Joe Wilson,” in reference to the outcry made my Rep. Joe Wilson at the president’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night.
“Sarah Gets It” and “Sarah in 2012” were some of the other signs, in reference to Sarah Palin. They also chanted “USA!” and “You lie!,” creating an energized presence. Emotions were running high and conflicting views resulted in verbal skirmishes. Graphic images of aborted fetuses lined a short distance of the path.
King, criticizing the stimulus bill, said, “It did not create employment. We need employment, we don’t need handouts.”
The Massachusetts group that traveled by bus from Worcester and Chicopee met the San Francisco Tea Party Rally in Hartford, Conn., that is touring the country protesting similar issues, said King. “We have to take our country back in 2010 or our country, as we know it, will cease to exist.
A Massachusetts couple, each wearing a red t-shirt with the slogan “Silent No More,” said they were concerned about health care reform.
“We need health reform, but not a government plan,” said 61-year-old Garry Treadway. He said the march showed the patriotism of the American people.
His wife, Connae Treadway, 55, agreed with him and said she wanted to make her voice heard. “We want them listen to us.” They said they believe Obama’s plan will pave the way for socialism. “We are here to stop the socialism.”
The march ended at the Capitol, where the marchers gathered around the reflecting pool to listen to a series of speakers during the afternoon.
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