(OT) RE: PATRIOT/USA technical problems, call to action

["Daniel Golding" <dgolding () sockeye com>]

Also, OT, but useful in this regard: if you write such a letter, be sure
that you are registered to vote. For some strange reason, members of
congress take letters from registered voters a little more seriously. I
can't imagine why :)

You may also want to include a phone number - if you are a technical expert
on the subject matter of the bill (and in this case, some letter writers
will be), you may receive a call from a staffer, with specific questions.

- Daniel Golding

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-nanog () merit edu [mailto:owner-nanog () merit edu]On Behalf Of
> Brian Russo
> Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 1:51 AM
> To: Cristopher Daniluk
> Cc: 'Timothy Brown'; nanog () merit edu
> Subject: Re: PATRIOT/USA technical problems, call to action
>
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 08, 2001 at 01:05:37PM -0400, Cristopher Daniluk wrote:
> > Probably best to not refer to them as congresscritters when you
> call, and to
> > understand the legal definitions of words where they are different than
> > "our" definitions of them.
>
> Slightly OT, but to carry that point home a bit, since the average
> person on here may not be familiar with writing prose to officials.
>
> Be CLEAR, reference the HR/S bill #, state your position.
> Be CONCISE, 1 page is perfect.
> Be FACTUAL, avoid rhetoric, or emotional arguments.
> Be COURTEOUS, being nice doesn't mean being soft.
>
> Demonstrate expertise, personal experience/knowledge of the issue.
> Explain adverse consequences, suggest better solutions.
> Be sure to write YOUR representative ;-)
> If writing to another representative, explain how this will
>  impede/affect actions that would have otherwise benefited their
>  area.
> Ask for a reply (you should get one if you send snail mail).
> Use Dear Senator, or Dear Congress[wo]man
>
>
>  - bri, not wanting any more stupid laws, and omitting
>  some insanely obvious stuff here like, typing the letter.
>
> --
> Unix Staff, High Energy Physics Group   <brusso () phys hawaii edu>
> Debian/GNU Linux! http://www.debian.org <wolfie () debian org>