|
2torial #0818:
Learn2 Write to your Congressperson
There oughta be a law...
Had enough? Has one of your state or national
congresspersons gone back on their campaign
promises again? Or are they proposing a piece of
legislation that could drastically affect the
welfare of you and your community? Whatever the
case, act now before it's too late! Politicians can
literally get away with murder with the excuse,
"Well, we put it to the people, and they
decided..." This often means that the citizens
concerned with the issue didn't voice their
opinions loudly enough.
Instead, write to persuade the people with a
vote. Members of Congress often weigh their
constituency's opinion before they cast a vote or
propose legislation. How do they know what that
opinion is? They check their mail. Their staffs may
also keep a tally of phone calls received regarding
a particular issue.
But watch out! you may very well find such
letter writing addictive. In addition, it can
provide a wonderful sense of empowerment, and it'll
help you be more active in the political process.
Be certain you're writing to the correct
official--otherwise, the offical knows that your
opinion won't count at election time.
If you don't know who your legislators are, call
the reference desk of your public library. Or, if
you live in the United States, first find out your
nine-digit ZIP code (to do so, call your post
office). Once you have it, you can visit the
Congressional website at http://congress.org
and use the "Find Your Reps" service. You
don't need to find an address for US legislators.
All Representatives can simply be reached at the
House and Senators written at the Senate.
 Step
1
| 
