Are we beyond the letter writing stage? Written ad-nauseum

[texpatriot2004]

to your "Representatives" your Senators, etc. Have you written letters, sent e-mails, made phone calls? Was your effort fruitful? How many here have done any of this? I would venture to guess that many have and that they have been doing so for quite some time.

Can we agree that letters and such aren't working? What is your experience with this?

[jasmeel]

1. I think phone calls are much more effective. I have seen more action

when we all get together and make phone calls at the same time than when we protest in D.C or write letters.

[Chan790]

2. It doesn't work

Just my honest opinion. I've lived in MD, CT, VA and PA over the past 4 years and of my senators, the only one I hear back from is Santorum. I wrote him to protest the USA Patriot Act renewal. He thanked me for "my support and insights". I know that it's staffers and not the Senator that reads the letters, but I'm thinking that someone doesn't understand big words like "repeal" and complex phrases like "that terrorist in the White House".

Actually, he did send me a letter on "Canned Hunting" as well, the one issue that we actually agreed upon. Most people don't know this but he has the highest score for voting on animal rights issues in the US Senate. (I'm a lacto-veggie/wavering vegan so this is one of my big issues.) Too bad he's a backward fundie voter on everything else I care about.

[texpatriot2004]

3. I think that is probably the experience of most people who are

taking the time to express their views, don't you? I wonder how many people feel the same way?

[SillyGoose]

4. I write all the time, too, and I feel like its an exercise in futility.

Believe it or not, the only one who writes back with something other than a form letter is Jeb Bush.

I've called, emailed and faxed as well and I don't have much confidence that my views are given much consideration.

I don't know what else to do...its depressing.

[texpatriot2004]

5. On one hand I feel better when I write as I get to express myself

on the other hand I too think it is now an exercise in futility.

[texpatriot2004]

6. Anyone else? nm