Kansas teen-Gov. Brownback Twitter controversy sparks reaction
Earlier this week, Emma Sullivan tweeted a disparaging remark about Gov. Sam Brownback. What happened next is a study in social media, public relations and the power of the internet.
Emma Sullivan, a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, was in Topeka on Monday as part of Kansas Youth in Government, a program for students interested in politics and government. During the session, in which Gov. Sam Brownback addressed the group, Sullivan posted to her personal Twitter page:
Just made mean comments at gov brownback and told him he sucked, in person #heblowsalot- On Tuesday, Sullivan was called to her principal's office and ordered to pen apology letters to Brownback, teachers and others. The Eagle spoke with Sullivan, her sister and the governor's spokeswoman and posted this story Wednesday:
Disparaging tweet about Gov. Sam Brownback lands ... - Kansas.com2 days ago ... Sam Brownback during a mock legislative assembly for high school students. ... what their students were saying in regard...- It didn't take long to see reaction (with links) on Twitter and other sites:
- Brownback didn't like what 18 yr old high schooler @emmakate988 tweeted about him so he tattled. kansas.com/2011/11/23/211… #heblowsalot
- Some responded directly to Sullivan, offering solidarity, high-fives or advice:
@emmakate988 Saw your story on Kansas.com. That is insane! Everyone has a right to an opinion.
@emmakate988 The only thing @govsambrownback should receive from u is a copy of the #Constitution with the #firstamendment highlighted.
@emmakate988 Stand your ground, kid! You've got a ton of people in your corner. Go, you :)
Ich bin ein Emma Sullivan! @emmakate988 #heblowsalot #govsambrownback #whatAtool #GrownMenShouldntWhimper
A major factor in #heblowsalot is #SMSD fear of losing more state funding. Otherwise, I doubt @emmakate988 gets called to office.- It even drew a comment from "Fake Sam," a spoof Twitter account that pokes fun at the governor and his policies.
- On Thursday, Brownback's official Twitter page pointed only to his Thanksgiving Day message to Kansans.
Governor #Brownback's Thanksgiving Message: youtu.be/TZJ-gsNYRok. Have a happy Thanksgiving!- Some critics piped in...
- Sullivan's original hashtag (#heblowsalot) took off:
