Having read the Framing Shop diary on ways to successfully framing Social Security, I thought, "What better place to begin than with my own Congressman - Tim Holden [D-17th]. Using the suggested frames from the Framing Shop, here is what I sent via his website:
"Let me begin by saying that I voted for Congressman Holden twice and hope to continue doing so! I am a supporter and a fellow Democrat. However, I would like to know the Congressman's position on Mr. Bush's "reform" of Social Security.
Here is mine, for your consideration: I am absolutely opposed to the need to re-form Social Security. First, Social Security is Healthy. Social Security is Successful. Social Security protects the American people from poverty in their senior years. Why mess with success?!
2052. Does that number mean anything to Congressman Holden and to staff working for him? It should! Using the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office figures on Social Security, that is the year - that if NOTHING is done - the program will fail. [See this link:
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/TR04/ ].
Once again, Social Security is Healthy...all the way to 2052. Social Security is Successful...in fact it is probably the single most successful government program ever created! Social Security protects Americans from poverty in their old age. Please, Congressman Holden, do not fix what isn't broken!"
This was my first attempt. I am hopeful that this framing will subliminally be read by Holden's staff. I am also going to try to find out the various staff members working in his offices and send them "framed" materials on this. I know from personal experience that Congressional Staff can have tremendous influence on the Congressperson they serve.
May I humbly suggest that all Kossacs begin "framing" their Representatives and Senators now. I don't know how Senator Arlen Spector will feel about this topic, but I'm sure going to try to "frame" him, too!