I have to bite my tongue not to hurl invectives at this particular congressman. My congressman. He is odious and a constant threat to the middle class. Yet I emailed him, because he represents me and I have the right to tell him how I feel. I even played nice because I value treating people with respect and dignity even if their actions make me want to ralph.
Our voices count and we need to make them heard even if we are represented by the Jim Sensnbrenners of the world. To me, telling me it isn't worth it to email him is the same as throwing in the towel. Are we here to just complain to our (relatively) small orange planet? I'm not. Don't get me wrong, I like to rant and find common cause with you all, but results only come from action. Sometimes that action involves emailing a guy who might not give a shit what I think. And you know what, it took five minutes.
Email copied below:
Dear Congressman Sensenbrenner,
I am writing to urge you to stand up to the wing of your party that seems bent on causing a default on our debt. In your 30+ years in Congress I'm sure you have participated in your share of compromises while holding onto your principles. The faction of Republicans that refuse to engage in give-and-take are fast becoming a threat to our economy. The rhetoric from many Republicans these days suggests that they need to re-learn that there are co-equal branches of government that need to work together. It is clear to me that President Obama is willing to give in to some Republican demands, yet the Tea Party wing of the party refuses to meet him halfway. If your Speaker complains about an additional $400bn in revenues he didn't like, why did he walk away instead of coming back with a counter offer? This makes no sense.
You are probably in one of the safest districts in the country, yet I would not count on that safety if your party causes a worldwide economic calamity.
Sincerely,
xxxxxx