Maybe if we each do a little something, it will turn into a bigger something. Some ideas below the squiggle.
We can all agree something needs to be done to make the Administration and Congress focus on the economy. Right now all they talk about is the budget deficit but all the public cares about is jobs. Multiple diaries have been posted all well worth reading to understand the issues involved. But we need to start to make Washington more aware of the country’s need for jobs. The economy is not going to improve if we don’t get more people working.
With the election a year away, we can’t afford to waste anytime in allowing the Republicans to seize on the message that they will fix the economy with jobs. We’ve already seen them do this and it got them more seats in the House. Even though they have done nothing, the message about jobs is still relevant today. If people don’t believe the Democrats or President Obama will do anything to create jobs, the lies about Texas job creation will give Rick Perry the job creator image. That in turn will help Republicans down the line.
But how do we get Democrats to get on board with the need to try to do something. Here are a few ideas:
Town Hall Meetings
Research the public town hall meetings scheduled for your representatives. Get a few other people to go or contact progressive groups in your area that may want to go. Decide in advance what you want to say and who will be the main spokesperson. Make big bold signs even if it says “We Want Jobs”. Send a press release to your local media if you are going to have a good turn-out and speak to the media. Go early to claim your seats; some meetings fill up fast.
Letters To The Editors
Though newspapers are losing readers, you can still send letters to the editors as they may be placed online as well as in print. When writing, following a few guidelines:
State your opinions in clear terms.
Write clearly and concisely.
Stay focused on your topic.
If you are responding to an article or letter, say so right away. Name the article in the first sentence of the body of your letter.
Introduce your view at the beginning.
If appropriate, use facts to back up your viewpoint.
Include several sentences to support your view.
End with a summation with text that people may remember.
Do not use foul language or your letter won't be printed.
Sign your name and include your phone number and address if required.
Here is a link to all the major newspapers: www.johnboehnerwheresmyjob.com
Contact Your Representative
A simple way to get your letter quickly to your representative is to fax it. Letters go through security because of anthrax so they take a while to get through. Email has become overused and many only use contact forms now.
So try a fax; handwrite the letter-all of us have a story about how the economy has affected us or someone we know. Make it personal. Here is a website that has fax numbers for Congress: www.contactingthecongress.org.
Hopefully this information will be helpful to some of you. Perhaps if we each take the time to do something, collectively it may make a larger statement.
But don't do it just once, if you can do something once a month. Send it to your Senators and House Rep.
If anyone has other ideas, please leave it in the comments.