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General discussion

Another possible victim of terrorism: writing to congress

Feb 8, 2004 5:55AM PST
Ricin Attacks May End Writing to Congress.
Many of you may think e-mail makes writing irrelevant, but there are some problems -- some Congresscritters refuse to publicsh their e-mail addresses; the majority of those who do refuse to acept e-mail from those who don't come from their own district, a real problem given the importance of committee members to the fate of legislation and Presidential nominees.

-- Dave K, Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

Discussion is locked

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change 'nominees' to 'appointees!' (NT)
Feb 8, 2004 5:56AM PST

.

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They should listen to those who elected them. No need if it's someone they don't represent. (nt)
Feb 8, 2004 9:45AM PST

.

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Sorry, but I disagree if they're crafting national legislation.
Feb 8, 2004 11:45AM PST

When Senator Hatch starts ruminating about destroying computers which download files, he needs to consider the national opinion not just Utah.

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The problem we have already is...
Feb 8, 2004 1:03PM PST

...too many in every branch of government forget WHO elected them, WHO they are representing, and WHAT their job is. If you are referring to something that has to do with a committee they are serving on, then I can see them expanding the field for input. If it's on some matter already coming for a vote before Congress, having made it out of whatever committee, then they need to represent the interest of the voters who sent them there. There is too much "beltway mentality" already, and I for one am glad to see that some senators and congressmen are giving their home constituents the best chance possible to provide input on matters they represent them on.

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I agree, but, if they are acting on a larger stage, they need to
Feb 9, 2004 10:14AM PST

consider a wider audience. Why put Hatch on the judiciary committee if he's only going to think about the interests of Utah? He's got to think about the broader national interest in that job. If an issue uniquely affects Utah, by all means represent the interests of Utah. If not, the broader national interest must be considered.

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(nt) I can agree with that.
Feb 9, 2004 11:01AM PST

.

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I agree. I find it extremely frustrating to communicate with
Feb 8, 2004 11:49AM PST

Rep. Lipinski who represents my district. Instead of quickly sending him an email, like I do for Durban and Fitzgerald, I have to jump through hoops to send anything to him. He also doesn't respond unless you send him a letter. I think the idea is to discourage communication.

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Re:I agree. I find it extremely frustrating -- We do agree!
Feb 8, 2004 12:17PM PST

Hi, KP.

>>I think the idea is to discourage communication.<<
So do I, and I hate that, regardless of whether it's a Dem or Republican. Phil Gramm (officially one of "my" Senators until 2003, though we agreed on very little) was the same way.

-- Dave K, Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

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It is possible!
Feb 9, 2004 10:19AM PST

BTW, Rep. Lipinski is a Dem, but I see eye to eye with him on a lot of issues. I don't mind voting for him.

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Re:I agree. I find it extremely frustrating to communicate with
Feb 8, 2004 12:45PM PST

As an Independent I attempt communication with all of the elected persons from this State, on a wide range of subjects.

I have found that e-mail garners fast response to inquiries, beyond the typical acknowledgement. I have also found that those in the House are more responsive than the Senate, and the Republicans far, far more responsive than the Democrats.

At least e-mail overcomes the problems associated with postal mail.

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In that case, spend a couple more dollars and...
Feb 8, 2004 1:06PM PST

...send it certified mail with return receipt requested. At least then you know someone there got it, and who signed for it. It might get more attention in other ways too. If that doesn't work, add baby powder, LOL.

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Yes, but I'm much less likely to go through all that
Feb 9, 2004 10:17AM PST

aggravation for a particular issue. If they would respond to email, communication could occur on a much broader range of subjects.

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Follow-up
Feb 9, 2004 9:44AM PST

Received an e-mail from a Republican member of the
House today advising that there would be some delay
in responding to mail due to the Ricin situation, and
the subsequent closing of offices and non-delivery of
mail. I thought it a positive move to alert the "mailing
list".