Facebook is creepy...and so is my Congressman

[sgdp]

So, 50 minutes ago, my Democrat congressman posted on Facebook how happy he was that the health care legislation was moving through the Senate, with a link to a local news article.

In fact, he (or whoever runs his page) said this:

"With the recent progress in the Senate, I am more optimistic than ever that Congress is going to pass a legislation extending affordable quality health care to all Americans."

I happened to be on FB, and I left this comment:

"Trying to find the dislike button... I'm 19 and screwed on social security. I don't want to pay any more!"

I just received a voicemail from a lady in his office asking if there was anything they could do to help, because they "saw my message online".

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I returned the call, and she asked if I needed assistance obtaining social security and apologized if I thought the phone call was "odd". I said I appreciated the open communication, and she let me explain my real concerns over paying into social security knowing I won't see a dime when I need it.

I said I wasn't a "don't do anything" person, but I thought we should take more time to examine other options before rushing through legislation. I then confirmed that I wanted my congressman to vote NO on any public options and on the bill currently being considered.

She took down my home address and said he would be notified of my concerns and that he would send a letter (I know it's just the form letter) in the next week.

Okay. Bottom line. Isn't that a little weird? You leave a message on Facebook and their office calls you within an hour. I mean, it really is nice to have open communication, but I was shocked. Does your congressman do this? Useful tool now that I know about it, but it scared the crap outta me at first.

[pattyk]

open and transparent.

I like my congress like I like my coffee: bitter, black and transparent.

lol

[JediMindTrick]

So, 50 minutes ago, my Democrat congressman posted on Facebook how happy he was that the health care legislation was moving through the Senate, with a link to a local news article.

In fact, he (or whoever runs his page) said this:

"With the recent progress in the Senate, I am more optimistic than ever that Congress is going to pass a legislation extending affordable quality health care to all Americans."

I happened to be on FB, and I left this comment:

"Trying to find the dislike button... I'm 19 and screwed on social security. I don't want to pay any more!"

I just received a voicemail from a lady in his office asking if there was anything they could do to help, because they "saw my message online".

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I returned the call, and she asked if I needed assistance obtaining social security and apologized if I thought the phone call was "odd". I said I appreciated the open communication, and she let me explain my real concerns over paying into social security knowing I won't see a dime when I need it.

I said I wasn't a "don't do anything" person, but I thought we should take more time to examine other options before rushing through legislation. I then confirmed that I wanted my congressman to vote NO on any public options and on the bill currently being considered.

She took down my home address and said he would be notified of my concerns and that he would send a letter (I know it's just the form letter) in the next week.

Okay. Bottom line. Isn't that a little weird? You leave a message on Facebook and their office calls you within an hour. I mean, it really is nice to have open communication, but I was shocked. Does your congressman do this? Useful tool now that I know about it, but it scared the crap outta me at first.

A congressman who through his staff tries to stay in touch with potential voters. Even if you disagree with his politics thats kind of cool since too many seem very aloof.

[Getty Girl]

So, 50 minutes ago, my Democrat congressman posted on Facebook how happy he was that the health care legislation was moving through the Senate, with a link to a local news article.

In fact, he (or whoever runs his page) said this:

"With the recent progress in the Senate, I am more optimistic than ever that Congress is going to pass a legislation extending affordable quality health care to all Americans."

I happened to be on FB, and I left this comment:

"Trying to find the dislike button... I'm 19 and screwed on social security. I don't want to pay any more!"

I just received a voicemail from a lady in his office asking if there was anything they could do to help, because they "saw my message online".

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I returned the call, and she asked if I needed assistance obtaining social security and apologized if I thought the phone call was "odd". I said I appreciated the open communication, and she let me explain my real concerns over paying into social security knowing I won't see a dime when I need it.

I said I wasn't a "don't do anything" person, but I thought we should take more time to examine other options before rushing through legislation. I then confirmed that I wanted my congressman to vote NO on any public options and on the bill currently being considered.

She took down my home address and said he would be notified of my concerns and that he would send a letter (I know it's just the form letter) in the next week.

Okay. Bottom line. Isn't that a little weird? You leave a message on Facebook and their office calls you within an hour. I mean, it really is nice to have open communication, but I was shocked. Does your congressman do this? Useful tool now that I know about it, but it scared the crap outta me at first.smacks of desperation. don't post your tele number on your profile...

[sgdp]

smacks of desperation. don't post your tele number on your profile...

I didn't. They have me on record by name since I have called their office on other bills. My name is unique enough that they knew it was me? I don't know.


But as the other posters said, I do appreciate the openness. I just wish I knew before, and I might have phrased my concern in a better and/or nicer way. There's a creep factor when you randomly get a phone call about a message you left on a Facebook, but in the end and on the whole, I do think it's a nice way for them to use technology to reach the young people.

I appreciate how Hannity worries over "our grandkids" paying for all this debt. But I think coming from the horse's mouth, my congressman has to appreciate a kid who says earnestly (and on the phone, tactfully) that I am worried about how much we are spending.

[Ninjacorpse]

A congressman who through his staff tries to stay in touch with potential voters. Even if you disagree with his politics thats kind of cool since too many seem very aloof.

They should have contacted her through face book ;)

[VCaddy05]

So, 50 minutes ago, my Democrat congressman posted on Facebook how happy he was that the health care legislation was moving through the Senate, with a link to a local news article.

In fact, he (or whoever runs his page) said this:

"With the recent progress in the Senate, I am more optimistic than ever that Congress is going to pass a legislation extending affordable quality health care to all Americans."

I happened to be on FB, and I left this comment:

"Trying to find the dislike button... I'm 19 and screwed on social security. I don't want to pay any more!"

I just received a voicemail from a lady in his office asking if there was anything they could do to help, because they "saw my message online".

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I returned the call, and she asked if I needed assistance obtaining social security and apologized if I thought the phone call was "odd". I said I appreciated the open communication, and she let me explain my real concerns over paying into social security knowing I won't see a dime when I need it.

I said I wasn't a "don't do anything" person, but I thought we should take more time to examine other options before rushing through legislation. I then confirmed that I wanted my congressman to vote NO on any public options and on the bill currently being considered.

She took down my home address and said he would be notified of my concerns and that he would send a letter (I know it's just the form letter) in the next week.

Okay. Bottom line. Isn't that a little weird? You leave a message on Facebook and their office calls you within an hour. I mean, it really is nice to have open communication, but I was shocked. Does your congressman do this? Useful tool now that I know about it, but it scared the crap outta me at first.

I really dont want to be friends withany of my congressman on facebook LOL, so I wouldnt know.

[VCaddy05]

But as the other posters said, I do appreciate the openness. I just wish I knew before, and I might have phrased my concern in a better and/or nicer way. There's a creep factor when you randomly get a phone call about a message you left on a Facebook, but in the end and on the whole, I do think it's a nice way for them to use technology to reach the young people.


LOL yea i can see that as boardering the really good congressman/ kinda creepy line.

[sgdp]

LOL yea i can see that as boardering the really good congressman/ kinda creepy line.

Zactly!! The person after me just left the word "Moron". Not sure if that's in reference to me or my congressman, but I left this for future commenters:

"Just wanted to thank Congressman XXXXXX and his office for calling me just now in reference to the comment I left. Ms. XXXXX was very polite and allowed me to voice my concerns, even though I disagree with this legislation.

Now I know you actually use these tools to reach your constituents. Kudos!"

:eek: :D :eek: :D

[Gabby]

I'd be upset that they were able to find out my identity and call me.

[jeepers]

I feel that if they tracked me down in such a manner, I would ask they why they thought that I would welcome it? If I didn't send them a letter, an email or a voicemail, why?

A facebook comment isn't a request for direct personal contact, unless you directly ask for it to be so.

I file this one under creepy.

[merickson]

The Facebook posting is public. The means to match that posting to a phone number are public (yeah, its bit creepy how easy it is to connect the dots now a'days)
Constituant services called and asked if a constituant need help with a federal program.

Being creeped out by the internet world where privacy is almost non-existant I can understand.
Critisising a congress critter for using those tools to try to help a constituant, nah..
Good congress critter! Serves their whole district, not just their supporters.

[drylok]

Perhaps I missed it but, how did they get your number?

[Seanachie]

Hello Sgdp,

Aside from the 'creepy' aspect; I would be much more concerned in how they were able to track you down in order to call you. It may all boil down to the 'public' profile information you provided. I'd like to say that I'm good at not providing that type of information. I'm not or at least I wasn't when I signed up for Hannity Forums. I used my e-mail address which contained my name when signing up here. The 1st post I made contained my full name, address, and phone #.

Luckily, through the diligence of several members here and the wherewithal of Moderator, DaGoosemon; my post was removed (A letter I wrote to Congressman Murtha, D Pa) and my SN was changed by him (through several e-mails) to reflect the SN I now use. I still thank the Goose for being much wiser in handling the situation; I certainly wasn't.

Soooo...check your public profile info displayed on FaceBook and change accordingly if you find that a necessary ingredient in preventing this from happening again.

If those folks could do what they did; then others may do so also.

Be well,

Jim

[sgdp]

^@Seanachie: My phone number is not on my profile.


Perhaps I missed it but, how did they get your number?

I'm guessing it's because I've called their office before and I have a unique name. They probably searched it in their database and had the info.

[Seanachie]

^@Seanachie: My phone number is not on my profile.




I'm guessing it's because I've called their office before and I have a unique name. They probably searched it in their database and had the info.

Hiya again Sgdp,

Kewl enough I suppose. I'm fortunate in one respect; my 1st name and Irish surname are as common as fertilizer in a bag at Home Depot. Hell, one bar I used to hang out in had 4 of us with the same 1st and last name. It did get me in trouble once; The bartender handed me the phone one afternoon after work and told me the girl on the line was really ****ed off at me.

I took the call and this female proceeded to cuss me out for being at the bar where 'I' promised not to be. She wasn't hearing any of my 'lame excuses' and she showed up at the bar a little while later looking for her boyfriend. She then proceeded to cuss the Bartender out for covering up. He sent her over to me. (The lousy lug!) I provided my photo DL before she would believe it had been me she was raging at on the phone and it was a mixup. She didn't much like when I told her the boyfriend should kick her and her nasty mouth to the curb as quickly as he could. Thankfully, the Bartender tossed her out of the establishment before she had the opportunity to vent any more of her unfounded rage upon my innocent Soul. (At least I was innocent in this particular situation).

Perhaps ya oughta use the John Doe routine when necessary.

Be well and unidentifiable if you can or want to be,

Jim

[Tulsa]

If any communications was appropriate at that point it would have been to send you a message through FB. Even if you have an unusual name, to go to the trouble of hunting you down and calling you is too big brotheresque for my taste.

[Buffalo]

If any communications was appropriate at that point it would have been to send you a message through FB. Even if you have an unusual name, to go to the trouble of hunting you down and calling you is too big brotheresque for my taste.
ayup.

[Vic Daring]

^@Seanachie: My phone number is not on my profile.




I'm guessing it's because I've called their office before and I have a unique name. They probably searched it in their database and had the info.

Or, if you use your real name on Facebook like most people, they just entered in google or anywho.com

It's not an anonymous world, like message boards.

[scmarcos]

It mustn't have been much trouble if they called you in under an hour.

[pdmike]

Facebook is creepy

http://forums.hannity.com/announcement.php?f=9&a=201

[sgdp]

Or, if you use your real name on Facebook like most people, they just entered in google or anywho.com

It's not an anonymous world, like message boards.

Nope. My only phone is my cell, and the bill is not in my name. My name appears no where like that. I often Google my own name (Shut up. It's fun) and that kind of information doesn't come up.

The only way they could have done it was to search their own database, because I have called them before. But I think it's silly they didn't send me a message or comment back on his status update.

[sgdp]

http://forums.hannity.com/announcement.php?f=9&a=201

:eek: I know. Some part of that still creeps me out.

[birddog1]

^@Seanachie: My phone number is not on my profile.




I'm guessing it's because I've called their office before and I have a unique name. They probably searched it in their database and had the info.

If you start seeing higher numbers of utility service vehicles or black Suburbans around your house then I would really start to get worried.

[VCaddy05]

Zactly!! The person after me just left the word "Moron". Not sure if that's in reference to me or my congressman, but I left this for future commenters:

:eek: :D :eek: :D

LOL, i guess when there is you and a congressman in the conversation, you can kinda bank on the moron comment being directed to him. :)) then again you never know