The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: MikeBjerum on February 18, 2009, 03:26:28 PM

Title: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: MikeBjerum on February 18, 2009, 03:26:28 PM
I know that everyone of us can take advantage of this, because we are all playing on these machines daily.

According to the lawmakers I deal with the letter is the most noticed communication they receive.  Phone calls depend on an aide relaying the tone of your wishes, e-mails are so numerous they are easily missed, but regular old mail is as good as face to face if done properly.

What is proper?  Business format, polite, direct communication in brief first paragraph (executive summary), more in depth discussion in body.

With computers we all have the opportunity to write a letter to our legislators and leaders.  We can write one letter to one person, print it, then go back in and edit it for the next.  This way it is not just a basic form letter sent to everyone.

Make sure to remain polite, clearly state who you are and your contact information, be clear and concise with your comments and requests, limit the number of issues per letter (don't make it a "Christmas wish list") ... and, did I say be polite? 

Use your computer, invest in nice paper, envelopes and stamps, and let your leaders know who you are and what you support.

I will let those I write to or visit with know some of the organizations I belong to, but when it comes to citing facts I go back to the original source rather than quote NRA, GOA or others.  Our leaders put more stock in someone that takes the time to do their own research or verification than someone that just spews someone else's words.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: pops1911 on February 19, 2009, 12:43:52 PM
Well put MIke & very true.

I generally use email for quick input, but a personal letter does more good - my Congressmen appreciate that even if they don't agree with me. They always (or their staff in some cases) write back & usually not a form letter. My Rep used to be a local guy who I met & knew - it helps now for sure. That's the value of networking anytime you can!

Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: 2HOW on February 19, 2009, 03:22:21 PM
Good info , thanks   :)
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: HBMan on February 20, 2009, 08:17:06 PM
Bottom line is ANY form of contact is better than none. PLEASE get involved in contacting your Representatives and help the NRA in the fight!

HBMan
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: AussieRogue on February 23, 2009, 03:41:50 PM
I'd love to do it but I'm not a citizen so I do not know if they would even take notice ( do not know if they would ask ) as I am really new to this
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: Hazcat on February 23, 2009, 04:23:31 PM
Aussie,

They don't ask and yes, they will  listen to you as much as anyone else.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 23, 2009, 05:02:50 PM
I'd love to do it but I'm not a citizen so I do not know if they would even take notice ( do not know if they would ask ) as I am really new to this

So what, neither were a lot of those who voted for Obamanation.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: Timothy on February 23, 2009, 05:51:44 PM
I'd love to do it but I'm not a citizen so I do not know if they would even take notice ( do not know if they would ask ) as I am really new to this

If your in this country legally, you have the same rights as any one of us who were born here, including the right to voice your opinion.  It may take another few years to earn the right to vote but don't stop fighting for what you believe in!
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: AussieRogue on February 23, 2009, 06:20:16 PM
Thanks everyone and yes I am here legally  8) so I'll start emailing and ringing everyone I can
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: MikeBjerum on February 23, 2009, 06:36:36 PM
Thanks Aussie!

We need as many people as possible voicing their concerns with those that are acting in our  ::)  "best interest" 
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 23, 2009, 06:56:45 PM
Thanks everyone and yes I am here legally  8) so I'll start emailing and ringing everyone I can

I don't mean to offend YOU, but you might point out that if you wanted to live in a gunfree nanny state you could have gone to England.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: AussieRogue on February 23, 2009, 07:43:11 PM
I don't mean to offend YOU, but you might point out that if you wanted to live in a gunfree nanny state you could have gone to England.

If I wanted gun free I would have stayed in Australia I LOVE guns and will do anything to stop what happened back home happing here
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 23, 2009, 08:31:49 PM
If I wanted gun free I would have stayed in Australia I LOVE guns and will do anything to stop what happened back home happing here

Speaking out is the best thing you can do. You KNOW the result, because you've seen it with your own eyes.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: MikeBjerum on February 26, 2009, 12:25:10 PM
Quote
February 26, 2009

 

 

Dear Mr. Bjerum,

 

Thank you for writing to my office regarding Second Amendment issues.  I appreciate hearing from you.

 

As you may know, I spent 24 years in the National Guard.  I also received an "A" rating by the National Rifle Association in my bid for Congress.  Like many of my constituents, I know how to safely and responsibly handle a firearm.

 

I believe that it is important to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.  However, responsible gun ownership is a right that many Minnesotans value and I do not support efforts to restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

 

Thank you again for sharing your views with me, and I look forward to hearing from you again in the future.  For more information about my activities representing southern Minnesota in Congress, please visit http://walz.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.

 

 



Sincerely,


Tim Walz
Member of Congress

The reply I received from an e-mail I sent about three weeks ago.  Mr. Walz has a big "D" by his name, but with guns and outdoors issues he hasn't been too bad.
Title: Re: Become (or remain) Active!
Post by: Thanos on February 26, 2009, 01:30:20 PM
With computers we all have the opportunity to write a letter to our legislators and leaders.  We can write one letter to one person, print it, then go back in and edit it for the next.  This way it is not just a basic form letter sent to everyone.

Write something that is applicable to each person and then do Mail Merge to fill in all the names. You can send out a load of letters that have the same body but a different salutation and To: Field