Let em Know!

[spare_change]

I noticed a recent thread about a criminal claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Our response was almost unanimous. But, our opinion doesn't change anything.

As most of you know, I occasionally work with Congress. I am continually amazed with just how disconnected the lawmakers are from the average citizen. The last two elections have proven that neither side of the aisle really understands the average American.

Primarily, this is because they operate in a bubble, insulated from the average citizen. They get their input from staff members, lobbyists, and people who care enough to raise a ruckus about their particular issue. They don't get a true consensus of opinion; they only get the richest or the loudest.

I don't believe it is intentional -- someone once spoke of the Silent Majority. Well, it's time to stop being SILENT! Each of you should let your congressman, representative, or state official know exactly how you feel about ALL the issues, not just the ones that get your blood boiling. You need to let them know you're watching - and you're keeping score.

The site listed below has the email addresses and fax numbers for all members of Congress and state governors. Find yours - put them in your Address Book -- and write them often! Tell them how you feel -- let them know! It doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to eloquent -- it just has to be how you feel. Tell them how you feel about capital punishment, tell them how you feel about illegal immigration, tell them how you feel about the war in Iraq, tell them how you feel about the 75 MPH speed limit -- hell, tell them how you feel about the weather. Make them listen to you - they work for you, and it's time you started being the boss again.

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

The only way we can take back control of our government is through involvement and voting. We MUST get involved -- our country today is being controlled by a small minority that is focused on furthering their agenda, rather than what is good for the country.

[zerosumgain]

Spare_Change - I agree. About a year ago, I formally declared (to myself because I am not sure who really cares) myself unaffiliated with either party. I am definitely in the middle politically, but mostly fed up with the inability of either party to do the right thing. Nothing is getting done while life gets harder and harder for regular people. Most of our political leaders do not have to deal with the issues facing middle class Americans. They don't know what its like to have their job outsourced to China, or to have to figure out a way to pay for the ever increasing cost of health insurance. Their kids go to the best colleges while the cost of a college education at at even a modest school is skyrocketing. Meanwhile big oil companies and their shareholders are making the biggest profits in history, billions of dollars, while the rest of us have to resort to using credit cards and getting further in debt just to be able to drive to work and back.

The real problem, as I see it, is that the people really qualified to lead us don't want to do it, and who could blame them. The other side will dig up whatever crud they can find on you, true or false, and then spin it so that in the end they make a war hero look like wimp and the rich kid that got all the deferments look like superman. They create "wedge" issues to convince people to vote against the things that will really benefit them. What you end up with is proxies, incompetent politicians, chosen by big business and special interests.

I write to my representatives often and I agree that if more people would, things might improve. The people need to run this government, not Exxon Mobil.

[spare_change]

Spare_Change - I agree. About a year ago, I formally declared (to myself because I am not sure who really cares) myself unaffiliated with either party. I am definitely in the middle politically, but mostly fed up with the inability of either party to do the right thing. Nothing is getting done while life gets harder and harder for regular people. Most of our political leaders do not have to deal with the issues facing middle class Americans. They don't know what its like to have their job outsourced to China, or to have to figure out a way to pay for the ever increasing cost of health insurance. Their kids go to the best colleges while the cost of a college education at at even a modest school is skyrocketing. Meanwhile big oil companies and their shareholders are making the biggest profits in history, billions of dollars, while the rest of us have to resort to using credit cards and getting further in debt just to be able to drive to work and back.

The real problem, as I see it, is that the people really qualified to lead us don't want to do it, and who could blame them. The other side will dig up whatever crud they can find on you, true or false, and then spin it so that in the end they make a war hero look like wimp and the rich kid that got all the deferments look like superman. They create "wedge" issues to convince people to vote against the things that will really benefit them. What you end up with is proxies, incompetent politicians, chosen by big business and special interests.

I write to my representatives often and I agree that if more people would, things might improve. The people need to run this government, not Exxon Mobil.


Absolutely right. But, I think it's important that everybody realize that MOST of the people in Washington are trying to do what they believe is the right thing. The problem is that they don't know what YOU think is the right thing-- they live in an insulated world. It is impossible for any legislator to be knowledgeable on all the issues that come before him. Hell, it's impossible for them to even know WHICH issues come before them. The quantity is massive. So, they rely on staff to help them-- thru briefings, position papers, etc. But, who is staff? The staff is either 1) people who have been in DC for 1000 years, and haven't been west of the Mississippi since just before the Civil War, or 2) interns fresh out of college, all fired up to fix all the problems of the world, and not one iota of knowledge about what the real world is like. Hardly a sample of average America!!

So, you have to tell them -- you have to be proactive. You have to have your senator in your email, and your representative on speed dial. To do any less is to shirk your responsibilities as a citizen. You don't have a massive quantity of stuff in front of you -- you have only the issues that affect you, that you are interested in. Let them know what you think!

[Crawfish]

Great post Spare. I agree that we need to be involved and let them know what we are thinking. I have recently been researching the Libertarian party and it is a breath of fresh air. Libertarians believe in personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the mission of electing Libertarians to public office. Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. They believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. This Party isn't a threat to win anytime soon but man it's going to feel good voting this year. The only thing that I'm worried about it the fact that I will be throwing my vote away in a sense.

[zerosumgain]

Great post Spare. I agree that we need to be involved and let them know what we are thinking. I have recently been researching the Libertarian party and it is a breath of fresh air. Libertarians believe in personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the mission of electing Libertarians to public office. Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. They believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. This Party isn't a threat to win anytime soon but man it's going to feel good voting this year. The only thing that I'm worried about it the fact that I will be throwing my vote away in a sense.

No, if you vote then you didn't throw anything away. What's sad is how many people don't vote when the outcome can have a profound impact on their lives.

[OICurready4me]

Thanks for passing that on Spare...I am one of those people that do write their Senators and Congressmen and can honestly tell you, some of them do listen. There is a Democratic Rep from my state, RI by the name of James Langevin that I have contacted a few times and must say, he has helped me out. He not only was expeditious in his reply but you could tell that it was read, understood and was personal to my issue at hand. One of the Senators, Republican Lincoln Chafee, (a Republican in name only, supports the Democratic party and votes against his own party all the time) who I've contacted about things never responded to me, not so much as even a reply that my letters were received. Lo and behold, he was voted out of office in the recent election.

So, even though my view are more of a conservative nature, don't be afraid to contact your representatives, even if they are from "the other side" to try and fight your battles. Will you get what you want? Who knows but at least you can honestly say, "I tried!"


I noticed a recent thread about a criminal claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Our response was almost unanimous. But, our opinion doesn't change anything.

As most of you know, I occasionally work with Congress. I am continually amazed with just how disconnected the lawmakers are from the average citizen. The last two elections have proven that neither side of the aisle really understands the average American.

Primarily, this is because they operate in a bubble, insulated from the average citizen. They get their input from staff members, lobbyists, and people who care enough to raise a ruckus about their particular issue. They don't get a true consensus of opinion; they only get the richest or the loudest.

I don't believe it is intentional -- someone once spoke of the Silent Majority. Well, it's time to stop being SILENT! Each of you should let your congressman, representative, or state official know exactly how you feel about ALL the issues, not just the ones that get your blood boiling. You need to let them know you're watching - and you're keeping score.

The site listed below has the email addresses and fax numbers for all members of Congress and state governors. Find yours - put them in your Address Book -- and write them often! Tell them how you feel -- let them know! It doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to eloquent -- it just has to be how you feel. Tell them how you feel about capital punishment, tell them how you feel about illegal immigration, tell them how you feel about the war in Iraq, tell them how you feel about the 75 MPH speed limit -- hell, tell them how you feel about the weather. Make them listen to you - they work for you, and it's time you started being the boss again.

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

The only way we can take back control of our government is through involvement and voting. We MUST get involved -- our country today is being controlled by a small minority that is focused on furthering their agenda, rather than what is good for the country.

[spare_change]

Great post Spare. I agree that we need to be involved and let them know what we are thinking. I have recently been researching the Libertarian party and it is a breath of fresh air. Libertarians believe in personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the mission of electing Libertarians to public office. Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. They believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. This Party isn't a threat to win anytime soon but man it's going to feel good voting this year. The only thing that I'm worried about it the fact that I will be throwing my vote away in a sense.

Very good !! I am a big fan of the Libertarian Party, and strongly support most of their views. I admit, though, that I maintain a Republican party affiliation, but only because it allows me to use a more mainstream platform to espouse my Libertarian viewpoints.

But, you can be assured, that your vote isn't wasted. The message you are sending to the mainstream parties is being heard - I have sat in political caucuses where the only topic of discussion was how to court the Libertarian voters. As long as you stay true to your views, you will be having a significant impact on elections - whether your candidate wins or not.

[Crawfish]

Very good !! I am a big fan of the Libertarian Party, and strongly support most of their views. I admit, though, that I maintain a Republican party affiliation, but only because it allows me to use a more mainstream platform to espouse my Libertarian viewpoints.

But, you can be assured, that your vote isn't wasted. The message you are sending to the mainstream parties is being heard - I have sat in political caucuses where the only topic of discussion was how to court the Libertarian voters. As long as you stay true to your views, you will be having a significant impact on elections - whether your candidate wins or not.

I've been seriously thinking about it and I think that I'm going to do it this year especially if it's Rudy vs Hillary. I just think it would feel so good to actually pull that lever for someone that I want to win, instead of pulling it against someone.

[Shiane]

I do write my congressmen lol! In fact they have probably alerted the FBI and there is probably a file somewhere with my name on it!:D

[tt]

I noticed a recent thread about a criminal claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Our response was almost unanimous. But, our opinion doesn't change anything.

As most of you know, I occasionally work with Congress. I am continually amazed with just how disconnected the lawmakers are from the average citizen. The last two elections have proven that neither side of the aisle really understands the average American.

Primarily, this is because they operate in a bubble, insulated from the average citizen. They get their input from staff members, lobbyists, and people who care enough to raise a ruckus about their particular issue. They don't get a true consensus of opinion; they only get the richest or the loudest.

I don't believe it is intentional -- someone once spoke of the Silent Majority. Well, it's time to stop being SILENT! Each of you should let your congressman, representative, or state official know exactly how you feel about ALL the issues, not just the ones that get your blood boiling. You need to let them know you're watching - and you're keeping score.

The site listed below has the email addresses and fax numbers for all members of Congress and state governors. Find yours - put them in your Address Book -- and write them often! Tell them how you feel -- let them know! It doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to eloquent -- it just has to be how you feel. Tell them how you feel about capital punishment, tell them how you feel about illegal immigration, tell them how you feel about the war in Iraq, tell them how you feel about the 75 MPH speed limit -- hell, tell them how you feel about the weather. Make them listen to you - they work for you, and it's time you started being the boss again.

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

The only way we can take back control of our government is through involvement and voting. We MUST get involved -- our country today is being controlled by a small minority that is focused on furthering their agenda, rather than what is good for the country.

Another member of the so-called "Right To Life." is heard from.

I really enjoy your Neo-Nut double standard. Don't kill in the womb, wait until after their born.

Yep, right to life my ass.

[tt]

We already have a small minority working to further "Their Agenda". It's called Religious Right.

Oh, did you know that georgie is polling at 28%, talk about a minority.

[spare_change]

Another member of the so-called "Right To Life." is heard from.

I really enjoy your Neo-Nut double standard. Don't kill in the womb, wait until after their born.

Yep, right to life my ass.

You continue to amaze me.

How do you know whether I am a member of the "so-called Right To Life"?

This thread had absolutely nothing to do with abortion. It was intended to help people to express their points of view to the difference makers.

Son, you smoke some serious shit .....

[spare_change]

We already have a small minority working to further "Their Agenda". It's called Religious Right.

Oh, did you know that georgie is polling at 28%, talk about a minority.

Wow -- do you think, just possibly, that might have been what I was talking about?

My point is -- make your position known to the people who make the decisions.

[twoblues]

Oh, did you know that georgie is polling at 28%, talk about a minority.

Ach...polls mean nothing. Does anyone even respond to pollsters anymore? From the "stats" I've heard, not a lot of people respond except people who have time to stay at home and answer these polls. Unemployed people angry at the government for lack of work, etc... ;)

Funny, I know in my circle of friends we are pro-Conservative (ruling party in Canada), but the polls show a low popularity rating. Though, if you ask people in my office or around town, you'd get a mostly positive answer. Our economy is booming, etc...

The silent majority has better things to do in their life than to answer polls.

Yah, I know I'm off topic, but I just hate polls. They just aren't reliable these days.

[spare_change]

Ach...polls mean nothing. Does anyone even respond to pollsters anymore? From the "stats" I've heard, not a lot of people respond except people who have time to stay at home and answer these polls. Unemployed people angry at the government for lack of work, etc... ;)

Funny, I know in my circle of friends we are pro-Conservative (ruling party in Canada), but the polls show a low popularity rating. Though, if you ask people in my office or around town, you'd get a mostly positive answer. Our economy is booming, etc...

The silent majority has better things to do in their life than to answer polls.

Yah, I know I'm off topic, but I just hate polls. They just aren't reliable these days.

Actually, I don't think you're off-topic at all -- your point is very well taken.

But, the politicians do listen to the polls - it's almost the only way (other than your cards and letters, folks!) that they get input on how the public feels about a particular issue. The fact that it is skewed isn't lost on them, but it's really just about the only measuring stick they have available.

So -- participate in polls. Send them letters -- send emails. Let them know!

[waterboy]

it is just not our place to killI noticed a recent thread about a criminal claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Our response was almost unanimous. But, our opinion doesn't change anything.

As most of you know, I occasionally work with Congress. I am continually amazed with just how disconnected the lawmakers are from the average citizen. The last two elections have proven that neither side of the aisle really understands the average American.

Primarily, this is because they operate in a bubble, insulated from the average citizen. They get their input from staff members, lobbyists, and people who care enough to raise a ruckus about their particular issue. They don't get a true consensus of opinion; they only get the richest or the loudest.

I don't believe it is intentional -- someone once spoke of the Silent Majority. Well, it's time to stop being SILENT! Each of you should let your congressman, representative, or state official know exactly how you feel about ALL the issues, not just the ones that get your blood boiling. You need to let them know you're watching - and you're keeping score.

The site listed below has the email addresses and fax numbers for all members of Congress and state governors. Find yours - put them in your Address Book -- and write them often! Tell them how you feel -- let them know! It doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to eloquent -- it just has to be how you feel. Tell them how you feel about capital punishment, tell them how you feel about illegal immigration, tell them how you feel about the war in Iraq, tell them how you feel about the 75 MPH speed limit -- hell, tell them how you feel about the weather. Make them listen to you - they work for you, and it's time you started being the boss again.

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

The only way we can take back control of our government is through involvement and voting. We MUST get involved -- our country today is being controlled by a small minority that is focused on furthering their agenda, rather than what is good for the country.

[spare_change]

it is just not our place to kill

Kill what?

[My_Secrets_Kept]

it is just not our place to kill

Originally Posted by spare_change:
I noticed a recent thread about a criminal claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Our response was almost unanimous. But, our opinion doesn't change anything.


I don't believe that was the intention of the thread, but instead used as an example as to why all of us as individual need to let our voices by heard by those that are put in place to speak for us.

[spare_change]

I don't believe that was the intention of the thread, but instead used as an example as to why all of us as individual need to let our voices by heard by those that are put in place to speak for us.

Thank you! It took a turn there I didn't anticipate -- as usual, ended up out in the weeds trying to figure out how the hell I got there.

[ldon]

Immigration could be better solved by penalizing employers big time for knowingly hiring illegals. but we don't. We need the work force but we (our govt) can't figure out how to document and allow these people in. By the way, ever notice how hard these people work? With proper documention they could contribute fiinancially to our infra-structure by paying taexs on their wages. But the idiots in Washington would rather build a wall. Wonder if we can still salvage the Berlin Wall? Build a "green" wall would be good for the environment. I'm amazed by the stupidity of some of our officials. But who am I? This is a hot topic and there are opposing views. What are yours? By the way, I didn't vote for Bush but I did, unfortunately support the invasion of Iraq. Is there a thread for Iraq?

[PunkyBob]

Good piece, Spare. I am one of those loud-mouthed citizens who not only HAS the addresses of his representatives and others not in his state, but actually takes the time to write them on myriad issues. A lot of it is ignored, I know that, but since I have a stubborn streak a mile wide, I continue to clog email boxes with my rants. I am a US citizen, I have a right to voice my opinions. Also, like Spare, I am a member of the Republican party only in name. I find it much more expedient to discuss issues with others if they know my party; it allows me a way in and a touch of credence instead of being labeled a democrat or a progressive (what does that mean?) or a leftist or whatever (most of whom I have no use for, anyway). I also frequently write letters to the corporate rag that masquerades as our local newspaper; the op-ed editor there knows me and usually prints what I have to say. I may be right or wrong on whatever issue, but at least I make the effort.

And writing does have an effect. I spoke to one of my rep's assistants, and she said a "flood" of letters about an issue is over 25. I live in a town of *35,000.* Reps pay attention to numbers; when they don't get feedback or input, they become disconnected and feel that the public doesn't care what they do.

[spare_change]

Immigration could be better solved by penalizing employers big time for knowingly hiring illegals. but we don't. We need the work force but we (our govt) can't figure out how to document and allow these people in. By the way, ever notice how hard these people work? With proper documention they could contribute fiinancially to our infra-structure by paying taexs on their wages. But the idiots in Washington would rather build a wall. Wonder if we can still salvage the Berlin Wall? Build a "green" wall would be good for the environment. I'm amazed by the stupidity of some of our officials. But who am I? This is a hot topic and there are opposing views. What are yours? By the way, I didn't vote for Bush but I did, unfortunately support the invasion of Iraq. Is there a thread for Iraq?

There are threads about illegal immigration and the war on Iraq in the Newsroom. But, feel free to start another one --- it's ALWAYS good to discuss the issues.