Politico in hot water over Facebook

It’s usually encouraging to see politicians not only use but embrace technology and so-called “new” media. (President-elect Barack Obama’s weekly speeches via YouTube are one example that comes to mind). Yet such tools can serve as a double-edged sword and could potentially embarrass public figures.

Take the case of Uruguayan interior minister Daisy Tourne who created her own Facebook page with images, messages, and the like. One of the photos she posted was of her with the caption “nothing is more authentic than a wet woman (in the shower).” The reportedly private image is not erotic and it appears more goofy than perverse.

Cue shitstorm in 3…2…1…:

Rather than posting critical messages on her Facebook "wall" or "poking" of the minister, opposition leaders went old-media with their criticism.

"I think it's in very bad taste that the minister exposes herself so intimately," former Vice President Luis Hierro Lopez told El Pais. "Ministers have to be more austere, modest — above all the Minister of the Interior," who commands the police force.

Tourne replied in a Facebook post admitting that she “cried out of anger” yet emerged stronger since “years ago I’ve received worse blows and insults.”

The brouhaha over Tourne’s photo is overblown and seems sexist. Though it serves as a valuable lesson for politicians: watch your (bare)back even if it’s unseen.

Image- telecinco.com
Online Sources- YouTube, Clarin, IHT, El Pais