Third Party & Independents: Archives

I’ve done the same, David. And I know exactly what you mean - it always feels so damn good when I call to give them my opinion. Even if I am just a bothersome fly in the none-too-effective political ointment! :^)

It would be interesting to poll everyone who has visited WatchBlog to see how many have ever contacted their congress persons about anything. Talk is so easy. Money a little harder. But, picking up the phone to a Representative is intimidating for far too many citizens. And that is truly a shame in America.

Adrienne, somone once said one phone call is worth 100,000 votes. Not sure if that is still true today, but, it probably is. Pleasure to call you kindred citizen.

But, picking up the phone to a Representative is intimidating for far too many citizens.

Yeah, I enjoy it too. And really, it’s the absolute least you can do to make a difference. Boxer’s been getting a lot of love letters from me recently. Feinstein’s been getting some hate mail.

Are they listening to me? I don’t know. Do they listen to us? You betcha! :)

AP said: “Are they listening to me? I don’t know. Do they listen to us? You betcha! :)”

Wish I had come up with that one. Well said AP.

David:
“picking up the phone to a Representative is intimidating for far too many citizens. And that is truly a shame in America.”

It is a shame, especially since it’s really no big deal - and they’re expecting people to call. But I suggest to anyone reading this who feels too intimidated to call, to write instead. Then, don’t send it regularly, send it by registered mail, that way someone _has_ to sign for it - which practically insures that it will be opened and read, and which shows that the writer cared enough to spend a little extra to make sure of that.
I think e-mails can work too - but it seems that only activist group e-mails, where one is putting their name alongside hundreds or thousands of other citizens concerned about the same issues, are truly effective.

AP:
“Boxer’s been getting a lot of love letters from me recently.”

:^)
I sent her two thank-you letters, myself. One after standing up regarding the vote, and one after the Condi hearings.

For Valentines Day, a special phone number has been set up with Coast to Coast Florist to send our good Senator 3 red roses (cost, ten bucks) to be delivered all at once to her San Francisco office on the 14th.
Anyone living in California (or anybody else) interested, here is the number: 888-501-ROSE

“Feinstein’s been getting some hate mail.”

I don’t send hatemail, but I fully understand the sentiment.

“Are they listening to me? I don’t know. Do they listen to us? You betcha! :)”

Definitely. And after all, collectively we’re supposed to be their boss, so we shouldn’t hesitate to politely and tactfully assert ourselves when an issue really matters to us.

I agree we need to let them know where we stand. Here is a url to find how to contact your reps! Contact your member of congress - click here.

Thank you Blake, I should have included that in my original article. Appreciate it.

I just read an article indicating the Dem’s are going to be saving up their filibusters for judicial nominees and are going to give Gonzales a pass. Yet another justification for my having left the Dem. party years ago. Political pragmatism beats out principle everytime, which makes them indistinguishable from Republicans on issues like these.

Dang! I haven’t heard that David. I hope it’s not true. It’s not like there’s a limit on filibusters.

If I recall correctly, AP, it came from a Senate Aide. It was published in a recognized publication like WPost or NY Times. I will see if I can find it.