The social media revolution is credited with helping to overthrow dictators in Tunisia and Egypt.
Can the same tool that sparked the Arab Spring promote democracy at the state Capitol?
Lawmakers will test the power of Twitter and Facebook later this month when they allow citizens to testify -- for the first time -- via social media during a Sept. 26 public hearing on the state's response to the recent tropicalo storm..
Granted, it's not Tahrir Square but lawmakers hope it will be an effective way spur greater public participation and reach citizens who may not have the time or inclination to trek to Hartford and testify in person.
"We know that coming to a public hearing and waiting for hours to speak for three minutes is not something everyone has time to do,'' said Senate President Donald Williams. "So we said, 'let's do something completely different. Let's use 21st Century technology.''
Indeed, testifying before a legislative committee in Hartford can be a grueling undertaking. You show up before the hearing begins, sign in and, if the topic is the least bit controversial or impacts a large number of people, you wait. And wait. State and local officials are given priority, which means members of the public often have to wait hours to deliver their message.
Williams said he came up with the idea after watching people tweeting and posting on Facebook during the storm and its aftermath.
Using social media to testify about the storm's impact seemed like an obvious first step, Williams said. "It will be fascinating to see how this works out,'' he added.
To submit testimony via Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/AfterIreneCT. Those on Twitter can tweet their opinions at @AfterIreneCT.