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  #1  
Old 02-04-2016, 05:09 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Default are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?

Chicago is doing an ammo tax thing. I just read an article from the furthest reaches of the left, the times paper in NY.

The claim is guns are protected by the 2nd amendment but not ammo. Raising taxes on a box of 50 9 mm to $1500 is what they think is fair. After all we only need one or 2 bullets to protect our self from criminals. Personally I think some fear the zombie hordes or their close relatives who "elect" to act that way is what folks are concerned about.

I will pen my officials soon. Perhaps if some here are not too busy they might.

I don't think this is a 2nd amendment post due to it being taxation without representation. If the moderators feel it is for a different spot I will move it. Thanks.

Last edited by model70hunter; 02-04-2016 at 05:11 PM.
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Old 02-04-2016, 06:54 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I wrote my rep yesterday on the proposed constitutional amendment to change selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices. She ignored my e-mail and voted against my wishes and those of one hell of a bunch of her constituents. I guess I'll make known my feelings come November.
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Old 02-04-2016, 07:16 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Surely you left out the decimal point on $1500. Still $15.00 is such a rip off but look at what Chicago has done to the cost of cigarettes due to BS taxes.
I have written representatives many times and most always get the carbon copy response all get. Yep the only way to tell where they really stand is watch how they voted.
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Old 02-04-2016, 07:18 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I emailed both US Senators from Georgia, urging them to vote against confirmation of a particularly liberal Federal Court appointment. I received an automated response from both. Both did indeed vote against confirmation. A few days ago, I got a live telephone call from Senator Perdue's office, assuring me that the Senator did vote as I wished. I was impressed by the gesture.
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Old 02-04-2016, 08:43 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Writing to my extremely anti 2A Rep is just a waste of time.
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Old 02-04-2016, 08:47 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I do occasionally. I don't know that it changes anything
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Old 02-04-2016, 08:54 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I contact those I can on FaceBook, it lets everyone see what I posted and I hope encourages others to post.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:02 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I think writing a check to the opposition candidate will get you a lot further than writing to your current representative.
  #9  
Old 02-04-2016, 09:03 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Man I love Montana! I take them to lunch and we talk about the next Friends of the NRA banquet and I ask them to call when they have tickets for the dinner and raffle so we can get together again and I can buy some from 'em.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:06 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Seems like every time I write an elected official they write back asking for money and do what they want to do.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:10 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Unless you donate large sums of money your representative could care less what you think.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:10 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I used to. Then I moved to California...
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:15 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdawg View Post
Writing to my extremely anti 2A Rep is just a waste of time.
Same here. However,I write to two of the worst that claim to represent and protect my constitutional rights Multiple times a month, Every month anyway. I refuse to be lumped in with the masses that just lay down and roll over.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:20 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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You bet I do.
In another life, I was a local elected official. Nothing like getting chewed out by a former high school teacher in the grocery store to remind you of the "local" part.
Even if it just turns into another stroke an a talley sheet, they are gonna get my thoughts. Email makes its too easy not to.

Last edited by Bugkiller99; 02-04-2016 at 09:21 PM.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:39 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Most certainly still do. And I get positive responses back most times.
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Old 02-04-2016, 10:03 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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All the time.

For all the good it does.
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Old 02-06-2016, 04:35 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Several times a year and their reply is always a chain letter which usually show how dumb they can be !!
  #18  
Old 02-06-2016, 06:18 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I write to both of my senators on specific issues, normally national security related.

I wrote to my previous representative because he would give real responses, not just canned emails. We got redistricted into the Omaha district in 2013, so we're now represented by a guy who has changed parties 5 times...

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Old 02-07-2016, 07:36 AM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Yes I do..
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Old 02-07-2016, 09:15 AM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Yes and always always get a nice polite answer back but, suggestions always seem to fall on deaf ears.
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Old 02-07-2016, 10:04 AM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdawg View Post
Writing to my extremely anti 2A Rep is just a waste of time.
I feel ya, Dawg. I'm in the same boat up here. The ones who aren't out and out anti are ignorant and dance to whatever tune the party bosses play.
  #22  
Old 02-07-2016, 10:26 AM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I write my officials and the local papers a lot. Mostly both are a waste of time. Our papers are ultra-liberal and either never post what they disagree with or cut and edit it so much that it’s useless! (space constraints don’t you know)


My two Federal senate critters (NYS) are in the forefront of anything they can do to ban or outlaw guns so sending anything to them is a waste of time. My local Fed rep is good and I do send support letters.

On the local, many are anti-gun and you get the standard reply back. “thanks for sharing your views I will take that into consideration”

This goes both for snail and email and even if you leave a phone message the results are the same.
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Old 02-07-2016, 10:51 AM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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When a anti-2nd Amendment elected representative never hears from pro-gun folks it just reinforces their belief they are on the right track. The ones you disagree with are the ones that need to hear from you the most.
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Old 02-07-2016, 11:31 AM
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My wife works for a State level "Elected Representative"......

In the past few years they have been swamped with what I've come to call "electronic pass through letters"....... the Union (Teachers) or other group, send their members a "Write your Rep." email with a "suggested" letter........ the suggested letter is resent under the (Teachers) name.......

no original thoughts or ideas.....just a mass electronic re-mailing.

IMHO it's no wonder they don't get noticed.........just counted.... to many to respond to..................in any meaningful way.....

Now "thoughtful" original...... correspondence gets noticed......

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Old 02-07-2016, 12:48 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I no longer do. Nobody pays attention to it no matter how its worded.
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Old 02-07-2016, 01:17 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Faulkner View Post
When an anti-2nd Amendment elected representative never hears from pro-gun folks it just reinforces their belief they are on the right track. The ones you disagree with are the ones that need to hear from you the most.
My worthless Rep. sits atop a 75% pro Democrat district. More than half of his constituents receive a Government check. As long as he preaches his far left the rich folks owe you this BS he keeps his seat. The constitution may as well be a birdcage liner for him.

I might as well be dead as far as he's concerned. It's waste of my time, paper, ink, envelope and stamp.

I can be reloading during this time using the money I've saved.
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Old 02-07-2016, 01:21 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I don't know if it does any good, but I write.

Reps usually say they agree. I wrote a Dem once, she told me she values my opinion, but go **** in my hat.
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Old 02-07-2016, 01:28 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Berserker View Post
I don't know if it does any good, but I write.

Reps usually say they agree. I wrote a Dem once, she told me she values my opinion, but go **** in my hat.
If that is what she actually said, I would vote for her . . .
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:02 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gman51 View Post
Surely you left out the decimal point on $1500. Still $15.00 is such a rip off but look at what Chicago has done to the cost of cigarettes due to BS taxes.
I have written representatives many times and most always get the carbon copy response all get. Yep the only way to tell where they really stand is watch how they voted.

Nope, it was $1500.00. And 9 mm was the example.

First they tried frontal assualt and it didnt work. Now it is attacks on lesser issues and they still want us dead and buried.
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:31 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I write to my senators and rep at least once a month. I never start the e-mail with the traditional "The Honorable etc." BS.

It's unlikely that the guy I'm writing to will ever read the e-mail and that's why my usual opener is "Dear Staffer". Then I let him have it.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that being polite will get you points. I lay things out as I see them.
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:49 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
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Writing to my extremely anti 2A Rep is just a waste of time.
No, it's not. Allow me to explain...

We have a strong anti-gun movement here in CA. However, it is not fueled by quality reasoning or sensible gun control laws. It is fueled by votes. The elected officials here don't care about guns or crime, they only care about votes. If gun enthusiasm were popular, they'd be the first on the bus to promote guns.

Unfortunately, the people who do write their elected officials most are the anti-gun crowd. Thus, the elected officials think that gun control is what the people want. Since they want the public's vote, they write more and more laws regardless of how effective those laws are.

So, yes, write the letter. Use your own words. Tell them what you think. They do read them, at least someone reads them, and they will respond. If everyone of us were to write letters supporting gun enthusiasm, we could change their minds.
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Old 02-08-2016, 06:12 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I used to. I would send all my letters handwritten in fountain pen ink on nice stationery and sign them with my quasi legal title of Reverend Doctor. I then would receive very nice letters in return from Representatives and Senators, in their official stationery thanking me for my input. I got as far as being on the Christmas card list for the White House, various Senators, etc. I ought have kept it up as I was starting to get invitations to various dinners etc. on the theory that I might be a somebody.

I always tried to write thoughtful letters on real issues. This was back when I was in my prison pen pal phase and I just considered the politicians more of the same.
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Old 02-08-2016, 07:59 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I do it a lot,but with low expectations. I think it comes down to very crude metrics--they weigh the letters on a Fairbanks-Morse scale to see which way the wind is blowing and if any jeopardy to their careers is involved.

Then there's the physics--a 2X4 alongside the head probably being the best approach.

That said, I like Jeff Sessions on immigration issues and Curt Gowdy playing Perry Mason.

To paraphrase what John Nance Garner said about the VP slot--the rest aren 't worth a pitcher of warm spit as far as I'm concerned.

God help us all.
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Old 02-08-2016, 08:04 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Default The short answer is yes......

Not real often, but we do when we feel the need.
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Old 02-08-2016, 10:36 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Quote:
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I do it a lot,but with low expectations.
I'm with ya' on our U.S. senators/rep. Too busy with their personal agendas. So much for "for the people."

At the local level, however, I generally don't need to write. Doug (county commish), Jim (state rep), and Cale (state senator) are guys I can talk with. All three have been to my home. Won't say we always agree, but for the most part they try to understand a different view.

Legislature opened today. Interesting collection of bills: allow private citizens to carry guns in gov't meetings, a few to better support folks in uniform, and a few good trapping/hunting items. It's a budget year so no time for frivolous social engineering bills. I didn't see anything I need to write them about, other than to say "thanks" and "good luck."
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  #36  
Old 02-09-2016, 11:30 AM
BaaBaa BaaBaa is offline
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Yes, I do write to officials, and call them and also meet with them in person when they are in the area. The more they are on the opposite side of a position of mine the more I am likely to try to convince them they are wrong. From the anti-gun person to the anti-environmental protections I will argue for my position with all of them all the time.

One suggestion though, Federal Official who get paper mail get it delayed by quite a long time as it goes elsewhere for screening first. E-mail is often quicker and safer and they do get counted.

Also, find out the name of the person for your local area who is the staffer for the elected official. They all have them, even lowly state, town and county officials. Often you get better results by contacting the staffer first then the main person.
  #37  
Old 02-09-2016, 11:41 AM
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NYlakesider NYlakesider is offline
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Originally Posted by BaaBaa View Post
Yes, I do write to officials, and call them and also meet with them in person when they are in the area. The more they are on the opposite side of a position of mine the more I am likely to try to convince them they are wrong. From the anti-gun person to the anti-environmental protections I will argue for my position with all of them all the time.

One suggestion though, Federal Official who get paper mail get it delayed by quite a long time as it goes elsewhere for screening first. E-mail is often quicker and safer and they do get counted.

Also, find out the name of the person for your local area who is the staffer for the elected official. They all have them, even lowly state, town and county officials. Often you get better results by contacting the staffer first then the main person.



The staffer is the one that gets most (read all in most cases) of the mail coming in. They read it/handle it and if they really like and agree with something they might forward it to their principal.(about 1- 2% of what comes in.

Most staffers have a very huge waste basket next to their desk and most stuff no matter who its addressed to that is where it ends up. They also have a computer that will send out a "thank you I will take that into consideration" with their principals name shown as the sender.
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  #38  
Old 02-09-2016, 12:41 PM
BaaBaa BaaBaa is offline
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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The staffer is the one that gets most (read all in most cases) of the mail coming in. They read it/handle it and if they really like and agree with something they might forward it to their principal.(about 1- 2% of what comes in.
Correct, which is why addressing the email to the staffer not the principal gets their attention. Butter them up a bit, it's like always making sure the Executive Secretary is treated well. You are more likely to get your opinion across if you ask the staffer about it in a way like "Dear <staffer name, first if you'v meth them, formal if not> I have a real concern about <insert Issue> and I'm trying to find out the best way to explain my position which <agrees or disagrees with> <insert name of principal official> I know that <principal> cares about what <his/her> constituents think and I would like to <give an alternative perspective, explain why I agree or whatever else makes sense in the context of the issue>. I then ask for a way to get that message across or ask when the principal will be in my area and can I arrange a face to face meeting or ask if e-mail is the best way to contact them or something. Make sure that the initial contact asks for something the staffer can provide and ideally one that cannot be handled by a form letter back.

That gets you inside the circle and you are more likely to get your next missive across the desk to the principal involved.
  #39  
Old 02-09-2016, 01:11 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Correct, which is why addressing the email to the staffer not the principal gets their attention. Butter them up a bit, it's like always making sure the Executive Secretary is treated well. You are more likely to get your opinion across if you ask the staffer about it in a way like "Dear <staffer name, first if you'v meth them, formal if not> I have a real concern about <insert Issue> and I'm trying to find out the best way to explain my position which <agrees or disagrees with> <insert name of principal official> I know that <principal> cares about what <his/her> constituents think and I would like to <give an alternative perspective, explain why I agree or whatever else makes sense in the context of the issue>. I then ask for a way to get that message across or ask when the principal will be in my area and can I arrange a face to face meeting or ask if e-mail is the best way to contact them or something. Make sure that the initial contact asks for something the staffer can provide and ideally one that cannot be handled by a form letter back.

That gets you inside the circle and you are more likely to get your next missive across the desk to the principal involved.
Interesting viewpoint!

Years back as a high ranking representative of my 2,000 person gun club I got to meet many local & state officials. The number 2,000 with many of them in their district opened that door. I know I did some good, but I was swimming against the tide most times!
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  #40  
Old 01-28-2019, 01:13 PM
Dvan34 Dvan34 is offline
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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Unfortunately, for most politicians it is an emotional issue. I have written several times opposing some 2A issue they were pursuing and received letters back thanking me for supporting them. I'm sure they carried my letter in with the stacks they received, claiming they were in support of their bills. When I receive requests to contact my reps in Kalifornia, forget it.
  #41  
Old 01-28-2019, 06:44 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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I write to my elected officials and to the Your Views section of the newspaper. One of my Senators actually reads his mail and will reply. The other has been there a long time and will probably die in his office or maybe his airplane if the FAA don't pull his license.
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  #42  
Old 01-28-2019, 07:14 PM
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are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials? are there any more folks here who write to their elected officials?  
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ZOMBIE THREAD!!!!

Must,,,,,, not,,,,, let,,, it,, get,,,,,,,,, [political]
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