Last updated on 2013.01.23
Update 15:44 MST: Senator Russell Olson responds... even more arrogantly than I expected he would:
If you would like my comments and/or position on this bill, or any other bill, please submit them to my email account Sen.RussellOlson@state.sd.us
I use this page solely to keep my constituents, and any other followers, updated on my events at the Capitol. I would be happy to read your ideas, concerns or questions you have about the bills I support or sponsor.
I would not support a bill I did not fully believe would better the state of South Dakota. This page is not for public debate, it is to keep my followers updated. I encourage you to contact me in Pierre at any time. I look forward to hearing from each and every one you. Thank you.[Senator Russell Olson (R-8/Wentworth), Facebook post, 2012.02.10]
Because this is important, because it shows that Senator Russell Olson misunderstands the Internet and democracy exactly the way I said he does in my original post, here's the screen shot of his totally public Facebook page:
Among the people hitting "Like" on this "Put a sock in it": fellow elected official and Madison Central School Board member Jennie Thompson.
[Original Post]: South Dakota Senate Majority Leader Russell Olson is taking a lot of heat on his Facebook page for his support of Governor Daugaard's destructive education reforms. I present without commentary the comments submitted by constituents to the District 8 Republican. Senator Olson is also letting this commentary go without commentary: demonstrating his obsolete understanding of the Internet as a marketing device to push his message rather than a forum for genuine civic interaction, the Senator has not offered a single public response to any of his constituents.
Not everyone worries about Facebook when they are doing their job. Mr. Olson's silence means nothing. His actions will speak volumes later on when he votes.
His actions have already spoke, and hundreds of laid off teacher are listening loud and clear.
I agree with Mr. Black on this one. I don't think anyone would be criticizing Obama or Romney for not responding to Facebook comments. And sure, I can send Mark Zuckerberg a private message on the same site (it works), but does that mean I'm entitled to a response?
Bernie Hunhoff posts comments on his FB almost daily--he then will usually offer a follow-up comment later in the day. If Bernie can manage his workings in the social media, certainly Russ Olson can also. Besides Russ opened his FB account and posted the large picture of himself and Lust talking about education. If people were in favor of HB1234, they would be posting comments to that effect. Since none have been offered, it can be assumed no one reading Olson's FB is in favor HB1234.
Elliot, Russell Olson is not a national candidate. He has time to post. If Rep. Bernie Hunhoff can manage it, so can Russ. We should expect our legislators to engage the public. If Russ wants a billboard website, he can post to "RussellOlson.com."
And you know, I'd actually argue that Obama and Romney should take some time to post and engage with their constituents online themselves.
I see that Mr. Olson actually took the time to tell people he didn't want to talk to them on Facebook. That's kinda like the ding-dong beauty queen who went on Larry King Live so she could walk off the set, isn't it?
Someone should maybe go over the FB privacy settings with him... you know... a little Social Media 101.
Charlie, it's his account. He can do with it as he sees fit. Facebook can be a dangerous beast and can turn on you in a heartbeat. Cory has just shown us how discussions on FB can turn on it's owner. Posting on someone's page can gain you recognition but it's not going to help your case with Mr. Olson. He's not the type of person that embraces social media like Bernie Hunhoff.
Now how do we tell Mr. Olson that we think that his is mistaken in his support for the governor's education plan? We can post here but I doubt he reads Madville Times. We can call or email him in Pierre and express our opinions, but in reality he will do what he thinks makes the best sense to him. Now that may be driven by common sense or loyalty to his party.
Common sense tells us that financial incentives improve academic performance. An overwhelming number of studies show the contrary to be true.
The students are the ones that will suffer in the long run. Their teachers already feel compelled to make sure their pupils are well prepared for the standardized tests. When many high school student can't tell you the most basic of questions about our country's history or government, then we have a serious problem.
Give Olson some credit for not voting SB123 Corey. I think the chicken dance has our attention.
Proactive efforts for next session rather than waiting to see how many fingers you're gonna lose every year.
Education funding under Governor Daugaard is like death by a thousand cuts. They just keep ratcheting down the screws at the State level, when constitutionally, every school district should be under local control in South Dakota. Unbridled, unchecked single focus mentality supported by uninformed followers.
Why don't we just privatize the whole education sector already?
Because, Elliot, we have an obligation to ensure that every person can receive a fair and adequate education, regardless of income. Public education is a vital glue in keeping society together. There is something profoundly important and democratic about the richest kid in Madison sitting next to poorest kid in Madison in Mr. Cordts's class.
This will probably not come as shock to most people, but emailing Senator Olson does not necessarily mean that you will get a response. I sent emails last session to his legislative email account and did not get any type of feedback from him. I sent communication via email to all of our
District 8 folks as well as the Governor and I received replies from all...except Senator Olson.
"There is something profoundly important and democratic about the richest kid in Madison sitting next to poorest kid in Madison in Mr. Cordts’s class."
...and the possibility that the poor kid might be getting better grades.
Point being, that kids are neither rich nor poor... and shouldn't be encouraged to think of themselves in those terms.
Point taken, Bill! A common public school is one of the best ways to keep kids from thinking of themselves in those terms.
Wayne,
I have heard the same thing from another local educator. They have sent two separate e-mails on the education issue and have yet to receive a response from Sen. Olson.
Yes, at a minimum closing the feedback loop with a simple, "Thank you for contacting me, your thoughts and ideas are important to me..." is important to all people who take the time to communicate. Without closing the loop we are left in doubt if the email was received or worse, we recognize it as our time is less important than the person we are trying to communicate with.
Watch this. That's how school should be run. If someone really cared about students from less fortunate backgrounds getting an equal education, they would only disagree with school choice sarcastically.
Mr. Olson doesn't understand the rules of Facebook: anyone who "likes" you can say anything they want to you, unless you hide their posts, or "unlike" them. Otherwise, it's a free for all. Get with it. Get over it. Move on. Oh, and if you can't live with criticism, what the blazes are you doing in politics anyway?
lance russell, russell olson, betty olson, lust+hickey=rave+sly, adelstein+abdallah=steele-wink, gray+white+lederman<brown, peters+wick=nelson-nelson...
Elliot,
Go here, read this and enlighten yourself.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/what-americans-keep-ignoring-about-finlands-school-success/250564/