This is disgusting.
Both the House and the Senate have decided that right now is a good time for a raise. Yeah, deficits bigger than ever, social programs losing funding...they're definitely doing their jobs well.
So I sent this to my representative:
House & senate pay raise
Message: Representative Schakowsky, I want to understand why you voted yes for the pay raise in the house? In light of the biggest deficits in a generation, you feel that it is a good time to raise your own salary? Is $158,000 not enough money already? Compensation for senators and representatives should be taken out of control of congress. It's a conflict of interest. I am ashamed that I am "represented" by someone who would put themselves above the need of the people. Shame on you and all who voted yes.
I heartily suggest you all do the same. That is if you want to. The ones that don't can wallow in their rut of political apathy.
Posted by colin at October 24, 2003 02:34 PM$FULL_NAME$
$MAILING_ADDRESS$
Dear $NAME$,
We, at the office of $REPRESENTATIVE_NAME$, are always happy to hear the thoughts and suggestions of vibrant citizents like you. I understand your stance on $ISSUE_NAME$ and it seems we're in {?DIS?}agreement. The amazing thing about this representative democracy we've been blessed is that we can hold these opinions and be heard by our government. I strive to take time out of my busy schedule to communicate with concerned constituents like you, $NAME$.
I'm working hard to address the concerns you consider important, particularly $ISSUE_NAME$. I believe the next year's congress will hold even more exciting possibilities for us, as we consider $ISSUE_NAME$. Together, we can work to create a government we can all be proud of.
Thank you,
$REPRESENTATIVE_SIGNATURE$
Yeah. LIke I don't know that I'll get a form letter back? They make a form letter for each issue.
I don't care. I know she won't read my letter personally. However, her staff will certainly maintain a count of people who have called/mailed about this and were negative about it.
On the dorkier side, it's cool to get mail from the U.S. House of Reps or Senate, even if it is an issue form letter.
It's still doing more than just bitching. Be a wiseass, that's fine. But do more than bitch too.
Posted by: colin at October 24, 2003 03:19 PMI'm just jaded... but I'm fairly certain that the ones who voted for it didn't really give a rats ass what their constituents thought of it.
However, you are right... writing is our main recourse and a viable one.
Posted by: Graver at October 24, 2003 03:48 PMhmm...
population of us: approx 281 million
first class stamp: $.37
potentially forcing the senate send $103,970,000.00 worth of form letters over a net $309,803 raise....
(a). priceless
(b). fiscally irresponsible
(c). just plain silly
or
(d). none of the above. take a towel, place it in the two inch gap under the door. now they cant see us anymore.
Doowhutchyalike