Letter to Congressman

[bjtraz]

I just sent this to my congressman. Like I said in the letter, I'm a realist and expect this to pass, but I'm not taking this lying down.

Congressman Carnahan,

I just attempted to call your office and was unable to reach you or leave a message, due to a high call volume. I'm assuming this is because of the mistake that is soon to happen. I hold no unrealistic expectations to think it won't pass, nor do I expect you to care about my opinion, but here it is anyway. This boondoggle that is being rammed down the throats of the american people is an afront to us all. Rather than force this on us, go back and make a legitimate attempt at real health care reform.

One of the talking points that you use to convince the people that this is a good idea is the fact that now, the insurance companies can deny for pre-existing conditions. Well this can corrected with a terse new law that says "You can't do that anymore". Very economical way to accomplish what you feel is a threat to the american way of life. Instead you treat this flaw in the present system, which I agree needs fixing, as a scare tactic to convince people that they need this bribe infested bill to fruition.

I have never been very political, I vote in every election, and do participate in mild political discussions with family and friends. But that is the extent of my activism. But if this fleecing of the american people is perpretated, I will join my like minded people to actively campaign against the elected officials that brought this on.

Sincerely
Brian Alcaraz

[fightingquaker13]

Brian
That is perfect. As a political scientist, a campaign staffer and a political activist (for both NARAL and the NRA), I guarantee that that's the kind of letter that a well trained staffer will send up the food chain. I would expect it to be logged in the "pay attention to, even if you disregard" category. No one cares about phone calls and emails. Too many are mass generated BS. A letter from a constituent, with a stamp and zip code gets attention. That is doubly true when they seem as reasonable as you. You're not some pissed off crazy of whatever stripe, just a vote that is there to be won or lost. If the mail volume is too high, you may not get a response. Send it again in ten days and you will, and I doubt it will be a form letter either. I know from hereing the stories that staffers have lost jobs over screwing up letters like these. I wish all members of this board would write one. I did, and got my response. I won't publish it, but, for the price of an overnight mail, I got an Email from my rep. We know (don't like, but know) each  other, he said no, but at least told me why. I won't be voting for him again, but I do respect the response.
FQ13