Today was the first time I’ve written to Congress to express my alarm about Trump’s actions. It probably won’t be the last.
Only one week in and I’m already writing. Sheesh.
I opted to use democracy.io when I saw the Electronic Frontier Foundation logo, although I’m sure there are more sites out there that do the same thing: make it possible for you to write a single letter and send it to all your elected representatives. A list of topics is provided for those representatives who require it (both my senators did).
It may be a futile gesture, but who knows, maybe a flood of protest will get the attention of those in Congress who ought to be objecting strenuously to Trump’s usurpation of their budgetary authority and who, incidentally, depend on our votes for their jobs.
(Hmm, seems I also wrote about democracy.io back in 2015. Happy to see they’re still around.)
P.S. I just went back and wrote a second letter pleading with my representatives to vote against Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (hearing tomorrow). He’d be a disaster for US healthcare if he’s approved to be head of HHS.
Good for you! I haven’t used that particular site, though I do get similar opportunities from some of the organizations I follow who provide links to pre-written letters that you can edit or add to with options to include all your senators and representatives in one fell swoop. Convenient!
However, I always wonder how much of an impact this will have. Then again, I’m sure the sheer volume of certain mailings does get the attention of congressional staff, who pass it on to their bosses. A lot of noise often DOES get attention. And radio silence is usually taken as tacit approval. Whether they ACT on any of that is another thing entirely, as we know they are basically more beholden to their donors than to us.
I always hope my original letter might mean more than a form letter. But I’ve also heard that their staff, or maybe now a computer, just count and report total pros and cons on each issue. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Their donors are paying to solicit OUR votes. So let’s tell ’em what we think.
thank you so much for sharing this and I will do the same. I am willing to take any action I can to stand up against this regime and its cruel and greedy practices
And they’re just getting started. See “Project 2025” for what’s to come. And good luck trying to sleep tonight.
just watching a replay of Rachel maddow’s show from tonight, very powerful and it will blow your mind. watch if you have a chance
I’ll try to find it. I’ve always liked her and think she’s very smart. But I quit watching MSNBC at some point so haven’t seen her for quite a while.
Same. Go onto their page and I think you can play it there
Didn’t find a video but found the podcast. I was thrown off by the mention of Gov. Walz interview, which didn’t come until the second half.
Yes, very disturbing. Not surprising, but extremely disturbing.
Methinks I should start watching Maddow again. (Monday nights, MSNBC, 9 pm EST)
she’s vowed to be there for the first 100 days and it’s so important, I only watch her and Laurence O’Donnell, not a fan of the network anymore
done!
Thank you!
I agree that we can’t just sit back and do nothing. Our reps have to hear from us. I’m glad to hear of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
I don’t see much from them these days, but 10 years ago they were leading the charge.
I used to both write and call. When I wrote, I would get back a form letter, usually letting me know how much they appreciated my input . . . and then telling me the reasons they were going to vote along party lines (not wow they phrased it, but essentially).
Calling was very impersonal. They take down your name, address, etc. and then write what you want them to vote. I would sometime engage the people in conversations and the call ends up on a spreadsheet and tabulated for the representative or senator to see . . . and I would then get the form letter a week or so later.
Honestly, I encourage people to write, but I’ve never been surprised by any votes; it’s almost always along party lines.
Maybe they just never got a big enough response to any issue. There’s always a first time.
And yes, I should add a phone call or two.
This could reap some results. Can’t hurt! I’ve already tried a few notes. I think a lot depends on what party your elected reps belong to. I doubt that most Democrats will need reminders from their constituents to do the right thing but if you are “represented” in Congress by any Republican, it’s those guys and gals who need reminding of their obligations and prerogatives as members of Congress.
Those who share our beliefs can still report that their constituents are up in arms about the issue at hand. The idea is to make some noise.
johnthecook…as a prerequisite to assuming their duly elected political Office, I think they all should be required to watch the movies “12 Angry Men” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. I don’t believe there is a Political leader in American History who has NOT FAILED “to do the right thing “at one time or another. They should all be reminded that they have an obligation, a duty, and a requirement to follow our Constitutions, our Declaration of Independence and our Bill of Rights.
They aren’t called our “representatives” for nothing. At least in the old days there was an expectation that they would represent the wishes of their constituents and vote accordingly. Of course there was also the idea that they knew the issues better than their relatively uninformed constituents and would vote based on their superior knowledge.
I don’t remember much about “12 Angry Men” but I’ll never forget Jimmy Stewart hanging onto that podium, hoarse and exhausted, continuing his filibuster …
johnthecook…Thank you for your timely response. We will continue to reach out to our duly elected political appointees. I just pray that they have the right moral values that will guide them to make the right decisions. V/R johnthecook.
Yup, we all need to be doing this.
Yep, let’s make some noise.