The Gist:
- A little over a week ago, I started trying to contact @EdPressSec on twitter to ask some questions about the elimination of direct federal funding for the National Writing Project.
- When I didn’t get any answers, I moved from twitter to phone.
- Though I’ve had a few promises that I’d be gotten back to (often by the end of the day), I’m still waiting.
The Whole Story:
This all stems from a few simple questions:
- What data drove the decision to eliminate direct federal funding for the National Writing Project?
- How does the determination that the NWP “duplicate[s] local or state programs or [has] not had a significant measurable impact” measure up against multiple studies showing neither of these claims to be true?
- Who’s decision was it to eliminate direct funding for NWP?
I’m attempting to understand, to gather more information from a variety of sources in order to be better informed.
Friday, I received a three calls from the DOE’s press office. Each person told me they would pass my request on to the appropriate person. Thus far, I’ve not heard back.
I understand the frenetic and demanding nature of the job of working within the press office. It’s why I wasn’t surprised when my initial calls took a few days to return.
But, this is a conversation worth having and one that deserves transparency.
I fully support the use of tools like twitter to offer a more fluid connection between citizens and their government. At this point, though, I’m getting the feeling the tools are being used to push out prepared statements, but not really communicate.
I’m feeling rather frustrated.
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