Topic: Government's Responsibilities
How to Write a Powerful Letter to Congress Many citizens do not take the time to write to their representatives in Congress because they don't know how or don't believe that their letters will make a difference. Here is substantive guidance on how to write an effective letter, including a sample letter calling for withdrawal from the United Nations.by Jake Morphonios
(libertarian)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
To increase the impact of your letters to Congressmen, write legibly or use a computer or typewriter, and include your name and address so your congressman can respond. Limit your letter to one page and address a single topic.
In general, letters should be three short paragraphs. The first paragraph should state that you support or oppose a position or piece of legislation. The second paragraph should explain, briefly, the reasons for your support or opposition. The third paragraph should ask the Congressman to write back explaining his position on the legislation. Avoid exaggeration and, when appropriate, document your position with an accompanying article or editorial.
State your view firmly, but avoid name-calling or making threats. Try to be reasonable, factual, and friendly. Even if you disagree with your? your Representatives on most issues, be sure to commend them if they have done something right. It will establish that you are fair and will encourage them to pay closer attention to subsequent complaints about their performance.
Whenever possible, refer to bills and resolutions by number. It will help your Congressman to determine exactly which measure you are interested in and will demonstrate that you know what you are talking about. Finally, time your letters to arrive at mid-week, rather than on Monday, when deliveries are heaviest, or on Friday, when the weekend rush hits.
It is a good idea to follow-up your Congressman's response, or lack thereof, with another brief letter - regardless of the position he takes. If the Congressman agrees with you, send a one or two sentence letter of thanks for his stand in favor of limited, Constitutional government. If the Congressman disagrees with your position, reply with a brief letter quoting the section of his letter with which you take issue and restate your position.
Elected officials listen most intently to letters from voters in their own districts, and hardly listen at all to voices from outside of their districts. In most cases, it is not worth the trouble to write to officials who do not represent your state and district. The majority of Congressional offices automatically forward non-constituent letters to the Congressional office representing the letter-writer.
Honorable Cass Ballenger 2182 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Ballenger:
I believe we should sever all ties with the United Nations immediately.
The United States Bill of Rights unequivocally protects each American's natural rights from government interference whereas the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares a person has rights but such rights are subject "to such limitations as are determined by law." Further, the United Nations declares some "rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations."
Opponents of removing the United States from the UN argue such a move would equal isolation. However withdrawal from the UN would not mean a retreat into so-called "isolation" anymore than absence of the UN prior to 1945 meant that the United States was "isolated." It ought to be obvious to any elected official, as it is surely obvious to this citizen, that withdrawal from the United Nations is essential if our nation is to remain sovereign.
Please let me have your assurance that you will work to get our nation out of the trap that the United Nations has become.
The views expressed in this
article are those of Jake Morphonios only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Jake Morphonios is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
I believe we should sever all ties with the United Nations immediately.
The United States Bill of Rights unequivocally protects each American's natural rights from government interference whereas the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares a person has rights but such rights are subject "to such limitations as are determined by law." Further, the United Nations declares some "rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations."
Opponents of removing the United States from the UN argue such a move would equal isolation. However withdrawal from the UN would not mean a retreat into so-called "isolation" anymore than absence of the UN prior to 1945 meant that the United States was "isolated." It ought to be obvious to any elected official, as it is surely obvious to this citizen, that withdrawal from the United Nations is essential if our nation is to remain sovereign.
Please let me have your assurance that you will work to get our nation out of the trap that the United Nations has become.
Sincerely,deported from USA since 2003 NAKHLAWI ABDELKADER A 70028600
I REALLY DO NEED HELP ...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA
SUBJECT: DEPORTED ALIEN SINCE DECEMBER 2003 WITH AGGRAVATED FELONY 237(a)(2)(E)(i) based on a fake DOMESTIC VIOLENCE..
DEAR(s) HONOR(s) inspector(s),Commissioner(s) ,And Representative(s) of : UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE...
From all my heart and all my respect toward all of you ,writing my brief letter full of truth and my honesty ...
There is no excuse ,nor should there be any tolerance,for anyone who thinks or express any kind of violence remark..l want to apologize specifically to anyone in the AMERICAN GOVERNMENT for the vitriolic and the harmful words ( NO CONTEST)for a conviction that was not even commited...
I am a public person,forgiven,and when I say something either articulated and thought out ,blurted out in a moment of insanity,my words carry weight in the public arena . As a result ,I must assume personal responsability for my words and apologize to those have been hurt ,and that time no knowledge about the law period...
The tenets of what l profess to believe necessitate that l exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life ...Every human being is GOD child ,and l wish to honor my GOD l have to honor his children ..But please know from my heart that l am not a treat,nor even a violent for any community or Society...Never had,I am not a bigot,hatred of any kind goes gainst my faith...
I am not just asking for forgiveness ,l would like it on one step further,and meet with any ,Representative,or any government high minded ,with whom l can have a one on one discussion to discern the approriate path for healing ...
I have begun a ongoing program of recovery,and did it all ,been in the program,community services ,pay all debts of courts ,schools, everything clear with a very good congratulations from my judges and my Teachers...
What l am now realizing is that l canno't do it alone ..l am in the process of understanding where thoses convictions came from during my deportation without hope and out from my USC fiancée and my saving living .
15 years continuously living in USA ..And l am asking the USA governement whom l have personaly offended,to help me on my journey through the recovery..
Again ,l am reaching out your honority,and your citizens for it's help..I know there will be many in that office or agency's who will want nothing to do with me ...And that would be understandable....But l pray that door is not forever closed..
This not about acting in need of papers ..This about the real life and recognising consequences out from my living ,my USC fiancée (WIFE)my doctors,my documents,my friends USC ..and my benefits...My life is built in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.........Please Help me ...Faithfully Yours Forever Haji_Abdelkader@msn.com
Again ,Thank you very much
GOD BLESS YOU ....BLESS YOUR FAMILY ...And MAY GOD BLESS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ...
Want to comment on this
article? Leave your comment here. Your email address is
required to track your comment. However, we will neither
publish your email address nor distribute it to other
organizations or persons. The only reason we might use
it would be if we needed to contact you regarding your
comment. All comments are subject to our
terms of use policy.
