Frustrating!

[HBK]

I have written numerous letters and e-mails to my congressman and senator on issues involving the 2nd ammendment and gun laws. I receive responses to all of them, but they are all "i understand you feel..., but i believe blah blah blah. I am not an idiot and I don't expect to actually change their minds, but i feel like writing them is becoming a waste of my time. I do not intend to stop writing to them, but it is becoming increasingly frustrating.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Amen!

I have a hunch elected officials generally don't read their mail. Their staffers send automated replies and keep tallies. If a congress critter receives 5,439 letters and E-mail messages in favor of the nation's civil rights, and 21 letters and E-mail messages in favor of leftist extremist so-called "gun control," it might notice a trend. I have a hunch it's a quantity more than quality exercise.

Of course, nothing we say will ever change leftist extremists' alleged "minds," but we can sometimes vote the parasites out of office.

 

[whoami]

I hear you. Every time there's a call to write our legislators on Capitol Hill on 2A issues, I have to stall the urge to say:

"You mean appeal to Frank Lautenberg, a man who never met a gun control bill he didn't like, vote for, or sponsor, or John Corzine, Frank Lautenberg's bastard progeny who never met a gun control bill he didn't like, vote for, or sponsor?"

I still write, but I'm getting tired of wiping the blood off of my forehead.

:banghead:

 

[Waitone]

Your letter will not change your reps mind.

You will not get a personalized response.

You will get a canned response.

Any letter you write should adopt a stand up attitude where you won't back off your belief and that you expect them to vote for your positions or there will be consequences.

Don't get huffy or snotty. Just a statement of facts. "I support the RKBA. You don't. I encourage you to vote my positions or I will exercise my right to oppose you in the next election. Nuthin' personal, its just politics."

 

[AnklePocket]

In New Jersey nothing will get done with the current legislators. Not to sound like a broken record, but I've had 17 Letters in significant papers (that doesn't include multiple printings of the same Letters). I, too, feel like I've accomplished NOTHING, which may or may not be the case.
I guess to put it all in perspective: If New Jersey ever does allow CCW we'll need to continue the Letter writing process. It'll never end regardless of the political climate. The entire concept of Liberty, which is always under attack, requires dilligent people like us to endure the boredom and frustration of ensuring its survival.
Ya gotta reach the people which is somewhere between difficult and impossible.

 

[critter]

My experience mirrors yours quite closely. Both pols and media types have the same attitude. THEY (never mind their level of education or lack thereof) are MUCH MORE BRILLIANT than any of us, the 'unwashed masses' and ONLY THEIR opinions are valuable and correct. Their job (as they see it) is to 'socialize' us or 'brainwash' us into believing like they do. As a group, they are the most arrogant, self-centered bunch you are likely to find.

 

[Chris Rhines]

Some interesting points made here.

I agree that in most places, an individual letter won't get you anywhere, especally with State-level and Federal pols.

- Since we live under a majoritarian system, the average politicrat will ignore any opinion that doesn't appear to represent a large number of people. Large groups are what gets him elected.

- Many (most) politicians on both sides of the traditional political axis simply don't care about the opinions of their subjects. This is much more common in long-line, 'political ruling class' incumbents than in newly-elected freshmen legislators (especally ones who have worked in the productive sector prior to election.)

Letter-writing campaigns might be more effective than single letters, as would co-signed editorials in the newspaper. Get your gun club/hunting buddies/family and friends involved, eh?

- Chris

 

[redhead]

I have a hunch elected officials generally don't read their mail. Their staffers send automated replies and keep tallies.

The elected "representatives" absolutely do not read their mail. They have staffers, paid by our tax dollars, to process the mail. email seems to be dealt with through autoresponses - that's why I never email these honyaks anymore. I fax them - make them handle a piece of paper, even if I get a canned response, if they respond at all. I'm still faxxing, even though It seems pretty usesless.

 

[AJ Dual]

Writing is best.

Isn't there some legislative rule of thumb in terms of how certain communications are counted as representing public sentiment?

1 letter is equal to 1000 calls in sentiment.

1 call is worth 100 e-mails.

1 e-mail is worth on "fart in a hurricaine" etc.?

I don't know if there really is any consensus on this, but I'm positive that an honest letter is regarded way more than calls and e-mail.

 

[general]

Dear HBK :
Don't get frustrated, keep up the good work. Don't know where you're at in the good ole' U.S. of A., but I could hazzard a guess. Been doing O.K. here in Colorado. Reps. get good NRA ratings, respond to e.mails/letters ect. with this sort of reply...

"As you may know, I have always opposed gun control proposals that would place onerous burdens on law-abiding citizens. Also, I have consistently opposed efforts to give free reign to all individuals interested in owning a gun. I support the instant-check system and believe it is working...."

"My position on gun control has remained the same throughout my time in Congress. I have always been a firm supporter of legislation that perserves the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms, and that punishes those who use firearms irresponsibly."

That's Joel Hefly. So I try to write a legislator a letter monthly, e.mail weekly and call when issues come up. Also, I believe it is Quantity that makes a difference... So keep hammering away... give preprinted letters to your friends and tell them to sign it - then mail it for them. E. mail your friends your legislators addresses and e.mail addresses. with a note "I know you care..."
Don't give it up.... I say again... keep hammering away at 'em.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

 

[HBK]

Thanks. I'm in Washington. (the state) It might seem fruitless, but I don't plan on stopping ever. I plan on writing until my fingers bleed and then write some more, even if it is like :banghead:

 

[general]

Heck - For a bit just send the same letter with a different first paragraph. Long as the message is clear. "I'm here, I'm watching, paying attention and I think you need a new position on these issues." $0.37 a pop to the anti-gun legislators in your district and state. We have 2 Dem. Reps here (not in my district- hmm new battle cry for ya?) - DeGette and Udall - can't see the light, get auto responses to e.mail and no response from letters - don't pay attention to anyone outside their districts....but I still let 'em know. "You're gonna keep getting these letters."