Comments for Oh, Crap...

Oh, Crap...

2009-02-08T00:59:47Z

I know the debate about the chocolate mess that the Congress eventually handed the American people yesterday is OBE, but listen to this...the examples he cites are, well, breathtaking. It's as if the Congress just hates us and punishment is on the way. *Sigh.*

Comment from R. Jewell on 2009-02-09

2009-02-09T14:54:40Z

A couple of weeks ago, the Veterans of Indiana virtually shut down the electronic correspondence of our Legislature with a one day email campaign trying to reverse a dumb decision by our Governor affecting something very near and dear to our heart.

It takes organization.......This was promoted by the Legion, VFW, Amvets and DAV in unison.

The issue is still in limbo........but we certainly got everybody's attention......to include the Governor.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-02-09

2009-02-09T14:28:17Z

like the Brady Bunch and NRA competing on how much paper to stuff in a mailbox

Indeed. But it influences legislation, which means the people have a voice they can exercise more than once every two, four, and six years (terms for Representative, President, Senator), which is kinda the point.

I've yet to meet an Aussie that believes in politicians to anything like that ...

Then either they're leaving you alone and doing what you want, or you're just bending over to receive.

Comment from Argent on 2009-02-09

2009-02-09T13:16:15Z

Josh: I'd hesitate to say never ever but we just aren't as politically involved as all that. Call it laid back or lazy or don't give a rats er uhm behind, it all works. Besides I've yet to meet an Aussie that believes in politicians to anything like that degree. I guess your way has involvement merit and at least the illusion of listening.

Mind you your way sounds like a lobbist's orgy where you probably have people like the Brady Bunch and NRA competing on how much paper to stuff in a mailbox.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-02-09

2009-02-09T13:07:22Z

Yes, indeedy. One thing the grassroots type people have learned - mass letter writings work. Even when they're pre-done letters by interest groups that people just essentially forward or cut-and-paste.

Issues which generate a lot of individual letters, vice mass mailings, catch their attention even more quickly, as it represents letters from people exercised enough about a topic to sit down and compose an actual letter. Phone calls to the offices count, too - and more than email, again, because it constitutes a constituent willing to take the time to actually call (trying many times, perhaps, to get through.).

They've even got arcane rules they apply that guestimate how many people didn't get in touch, but still care deeply, based on the volume of contacts.

Comment from Josh on 2009-02-08

2009-02-09T03:55:40Z

I don't understand this letter to the Senator thing. It's unheard of for us to do similar. I can't imagine them openign the letter. Or reading it. Or understanding it. Or considering it. Or acting on it.

Do you mean to say that Aussies never write their elected legislators?

Our senators certainly don't read their mail, but they have people who open it and tally up the opinions of the people who write in. Doesn't mean they always go with it, but it can influence them.

Comment from AFSister on 2009-02-08

2009-02-09T02:27:46Z

I got a newsletter from my Rep, Jean Schmidt, which said that she is opposed to the stimulus bills. I also wrote to my Senator today, pleading with him to stop this thing.

We shall see.

Comment from Argent on 2009-02-08

2009-02-08T20:47:28Z

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-02-08

2009-02-08T19:28:17Z

Hmmm. That might be a less-than-optimal response, indeed.

Comment from Josh on 2009-02-07

2009-02-08T03:25:59Z

At this point, I could write to my senators, but all I have to say to them is "Go die."

Comment from Valerie on 2009-02-07

2009-02-08T01:47:35Z

You can have input on this, IF you write your Senators.