How Can I Get Through to a Politician Via E-Mail?

This may be better suited to the Sandbox but I'm posting it in Aviation Passenger Security because I think a lot of us may find it a useful tool with regard to effecting change in TSA policy.

From Slashdot:

http://ask.slashdot.org/story/12/04...w-can-i-get-through-to-a-politician-by-e-mail

Interesting read, and it seems there is some good advice mixed in with the general cynicism. I enjoyed the comment about timing the correspondence to when a bill is first introduced - little things like that make a lot of sense but are easy to miss.

 

One option is to use faxzero or other online fax service. It goes to a separate mailbox or is actually printed out. if you leave a return fax or email it improves your likelihood of a real reply.

 

I send lots of emails, and very rarely get responses. I must say the level and amount of access to so called elected representatives is very disappointing, especially knowing that I am being pushed aside so that lobbyists with bags of money can get plenty of face time with them.

A round of emails last week to them stated as much. Due to that, I actually got a response from one of their local office representatives. I won't post names or anything, but I about vomited today when I got an email from him. Here it is for your pleasure/entertainment:

 

Simple: don't e-mail. Call.

 

Which is the best office to call, Jon? Washington or local?

 

"How Can I Get Through to a Politician Via E-Mail?"

1) Attach a significant donation via paypal.

2) Tell him/her you have photos from that "thing" he/she was at Saturday night.

 

Doesn't matter... start with one, and if within a few days they haven't addressed you, go for the other.

--Jon

 

I'd go with the local office so they know you're a constituent. If you're not in that district use *67 to block call ID and they won't see the area code.