My current congresscritter is Republican Randy Forbes of Virginia. And of course, due to Republican control of redistricting, he represents an utterly "safe" district which no Democrat will represent for the next decade, from the violently white suburbs south of the south Richmond slums eastward to the dockyards of Newport News. So despite the dependence of roughly half of his constituents on federal funds for their livelihoods, he is locked elbow-to-elbow with the Tea Party crusade against the Gubment. So just for amusement, I have rattled off a brief e-mail to his office: (text follows after the orange elipses ...)
Dear Mr. Forbes:
Please explain, in clear and unambiguous language that does not insult the intelligence of a six-year-old, why you are supporting this shutdown charade. And please, do not patronize. I am older and better-educated than either you or your staff. Pretend you're explaining to your Civics professor why you have been cutting class for two weeks.
Sincerely,
Cynndara Morgan
S Chesterfield, 23234
I am posting the original letter here mainly for archival purposes. Much more amusing, I think, will be the response which I will also share with you. The vapid and self-serving froth which is now the standard for constituent communications deserves to be publicly shredded, so let's take advantage of opportunity!