Here’s a link to a description of the whole ugly story, if you care.
Funny, back in the day we had a letter code in the computer called ‘crackpot’. We used to have some doozies and just assinged the individual that code so young eager types like myself wouldn’t feel the urge to actually research and respond to some of these folks.
It was probably 1 in 5000 people that got the code. But some folks feel that a Member’s responsbility extends from helping them get revenge on the post office to giving them a job. One poor guy wrote us every month demanding that the Boss forgo free haircuts. Unfortunately, the House barber shop isn’t free.
Not that they should be discouraged from writing. Those interns need a little entertainment in between the hundreds of letters demanding that their 100% pro-choice boss change his position or vice versa.
I have another quick question. I wrote to my senator a couple of weeks ago (haven’t heard back, but it was fairly long, and I’m in a foreign country), and I was wondering, should I send the letter to other senators that I know have taken an active interest in the subject? I know that sounds stupid, but I’m just curious if it matters if they’re not from your state. We’re all American right?
I’ve written letters to my congress critters regarding proposed FAA and FCC regulations. The final regulations came out not as bad as the origional proposal, but who knows if that would have happened anyway.
Writing will get you on thier mailing list for propaganda(Example: “We are doing a survey: Do you think we are doing a great job, a really great job, or a really really really great job?”) and solicitations for campagne contributions.
Any reply you get will be signed by the politician, but I have little doubt that nearly all are actually authored by staffers. In one case I was introduced to my congresswoman within a week after I had recieved three different letters signed by her. Zero regognition.
I figure that’s the Old South for you: atrocious on racism, but with impeccable good manners. The “whited sepulchre” syndrome.
Depends on the issue and the member. It matters since you can’t vote for them. If you vote in Ohio, why should a Senator from Colorado give a damn what you think. If you were a lobbyist or donor, you would likely get your letters answered.
Usually member courtesy would dictate that they give your senators and member of congress the opportunity to address your concern. An out of state member might answer if, as you said, its an interest that they are genuinely interested in, for instance Tom Tancredo on immigration or Tammy Baldwin on gay rights issues. It’ll only cost you one stamp.
Some take longer than others and some don’t answer at all. For instance, if you write to a Senator who is pro-life and demand that he change his position on abortion, they might not bother. Depends on the office.
But since you have two senators and a congressman, why not try the others that represent you first?