The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: STJ on April 06, 2008, 08:25:26 AM

Title: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: STJ on April 06, 2008, 08:25:26 AM: I have never been a 'Good' writer. It takes me a long time to usually come up with good letter and then it is 'OK' at best. What is the recommended way to write a letter to your representatives to express your support or disapproval of a bill and or law up for vote.

Short and simple, i.e. "I am writing to ask your support of the passage of HB####. Sincerely, John Doe"

or a detailed letter explaning the reasons why???

Thanks
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: Hazcat on April 06, 2008, 08:35:32 AM: short
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: jaybet on April 06, 2008, 08:36:13 AM: I think it helps to explain why the bill is unfair to law abiding voters. It shows some thought behind your position.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: MikeBjerum on April 06, 2008, 08:53:17 AM: "Please," "Thank You," and "I'd be willing to visit or help."

Short but informative:

1. Executive summary - Please support, oppose, or help us pass or defeat;

2. Brief details that support your summary;

3. Offer for more information or discussion if they wish;

4. Appreciation for what they do and will do in advance.

You would be amazed at the total lack of respect our representatives deal with day in and day out. This comes not only from us and lobbyists, but from their colleges as well. They endure not only abuse for their views, but even vulgar language on a regular basis. I was at a hearing and listened to teachers direct language at the committee that they complained about in their classroom.

I make a point to include my thankfulness for their service and my appreciation for the tough choices they must make daily even when I don't agree with their viewpoint. This has created a relationship that keeps me as one they don't shy away from, because even if I think they are acting like a "jackass" they know I will say it in a civil manor.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: DDMac on April 06, 2008, 09:10:03 AM: M-58's formula has always worked for me (except when dealing with the VA). Anyway, the letter is almost self-writing and surprisingly effective. Mac.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: Outlaw on April 06, 2008, 10:21:46 AM: If you are speaking of gun rights issues it helps to let them know you belong to an organization with XXXX number of members who will support him or her. Numbers count to politicians.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: ericire12 on April 06, 2008, 10:37:58 AM: Vote the bums out of office!

Take back our country! It has been hijacked!
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: tombogan03884 on April 06, 2008, 11:39:39 AM: Quote from: STJ on April 06, 2008, 08:25:26 AM
I have never been a 'Good' writer. It takes me a long time to usually come up with good letter and then it is 'OK' at best. What is the recommended way to write a letter to your representatives to express your support or disapproval of a bill and or law up for vote.

Short and simple, i.e. "I am writing to ask your support of the passage of HB####. Sincerely, John Doe"

or a detailed letter explaning the reasons why???

Thanks

If I'm writing to ALL the members of a commitee, I go with the short and simple, if I'm only writing to one person I usually go with M58's form, Although, my last letter to my congresswoman was "You want to give aid for fuel in May, MORE aid to college students . You are awfully generous with other peoples money." I don't think it will be well recieved ;D
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: keithm on April 06, 2008, 01:41:04 PM: Are you talking about the federal level or the state? State reps can be surprisingly accessible. At the state level, I tend to send a letter, call them, and follow up with a visit at their offices. Living in the state capitol makes it convenient. I think in most states, people really don't take advantage of how accessible their legiscritters can be. Here, even known antis will give you their ear for a few minutes. In person, no less.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: usaf46270 on April 09, 2008, 11:13:10 PM: its not just about writing you reps, we better think about whos going to the white house
I know its looks bad, but I hope everyone is thinking about who will be in the white house
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: Ron J on April 19, 2008, 08:00:48 PM: M58 is right in the X-ring.
Be respectful. You are dealing with folks that have tremendous egos and they want to be respected. Present the facts and what action you want succinctly. Be buttoned down without casting personal opinion. Lastly, thank them for their review and consideration.

Whatever you do, don’t write letters like my mother. Like many, she was not a fan of Bill Clinton. Once per month, she would write him. The letters started off with “Dear Mr. Clinton” and had then proceeded along several general themes (and I am not making this up!):

You are an asshole. Please resign and take that dumbass Al Gore with you.
Quit lying to us! Have you no dignity?
Please try not to embarrass our country anymore than you already have.
Can’t you keep your pants zipped up?
What did you sell the Chinese today Mr. Clinton? Please tell me it was your wife.

Funny, she got several “canned” replies back from the Clinton White House. They basically said that they were sorry that she "disagreed" with the administration and hope that they could win her over at some point! Yeah, right. Pretty sure that she is on some sort of “watch list” and she had her phone tapped.
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: m25operator on April 19, 2008, 08:20:25 PM: RonJ, Please give your mother a kiss for me, My kind of gal. :-*

I do totally agree with M58's approach, but what a breath of fresh air. 8)
Title: Re: Writing to your Representatives
Post by: tombogan03884 on April 20, 2008, 12:39:46 AM: Quote from: Ron J on April 19, 2008, 08:00:48 PM

You are an asshole. Please resign and take that dumbass Al Gore with you.
Quit lying to us! Have you no dignity?
Please try not to embarrass our country anymore than you already have.
Cant you keep your pants zipped up?
What did you sell the Chinese today Mr. Clinton? Please tell me it was your wife.

Perfectly good questions and insightful commentary