Across the country, lawmakers are using new media tools like Twitter to broadcast their views, engage with constituents, and share interesting information.

But it's becoming clear that in the rush to embrace the technology, some have absolutely no idea what they're doing.

Case in point? Republicans in Colorado are racing to ban 'liberal' followers on Twitter:

Apparently the word went out over the weekend that "liberals" are attempting to "follow" Republicans on Twitter. This is being interpreted as a bad, nefarious thing, needing to be stopped, although "following" on Twitter is in most other circles considered desirable.

GOP Senator Dave Schultheis is one of the conservatives who sprung into action, telling his followers that he had blocked three "liberals" on Monday.

The issue here is visible to everyone, correct?

Twitter is designed to be a public forum. All of us 'liberals' can still view Schultheis' feed online, whether we're following him or not.

Twitter: you're doing it wrong.