Author: philinmaine

There’s a virtual march on DC to make global warming a real priority and it has some interesting twists, like building an effort and doing media ads in several cities before arriving in DC next year. Doesn’t look half-baked (pun intended) and worth at least a look and pass along:

CAMPAIGN LINK
It seems well set up to spread across the net (and blogs)..What if millions join? Below the fold is an article I just wrote on the ‘new’ CAFE standards. (I do a weekly radio piece and this is upcoming)
Well, it finally happened. The day has come when I may have to eat a plate of warm crow. The Bush Administration has announced its intention to raise the average miles per gallon that light trucks and SUV’s must get (known as the CAFE standards). Some time ago I said I would eat my words if the CAFE standards got raised. I’ll let WERU listeners decide if, based on the recent announcement, what I’ll be dining on. Here’s what was announced:
“With gas prices continuing to rise, the Bush administration proposed new rules to compel auto manufacturers to make pickup trucks, minivans and some sport utility vehicles more fuel efficient….” OK so far. More efficient vehicles on the higher end of the gas guzzling spectrum. I’ll need some tin foil. To attract that crow, not for my hat…

The proposal would require the auto industry to raise standards for most vehicles other than cars beginning in 2008. All automakers would have to comply with the new system by 2011.” … Other than cars…hmmm, and the new system would be in place by 2011. Well, that’s only 6 YEARS away. Soon enough to gain some independence from that foreign oil isn’t it? I mean what’s the rush.

Under the current system, automakers must maintain an average of 21 mpg for light trucks and will have to meet 22.2 mpg for the 2007 model year. It represents an average of manufacturers’ entire fleet of light trucks….Ok, now hold on…the old system kicked in higher CAFÉ standards starting in 2007 and the new one starts in 2008? And this is better? Someone has to explain. Ah, here we go….

The new system would divide light trucks into six categories based on size. Smaller vehicles would have to get better gas mileage than larger trucks.

Automakers could opt to comply with the old system through 2010 or to meet the standards in the six categories. If they stayed with the old system, they would have to meet a 22.5 mpg average by 2008, 23.1 mpg in 2009 and 23.5 mpg by 2010. …This is starting to get confusing..but well, it’s the government so what do you expect but comparing the two plans and taking into account the different categories what do the experts say?

“This is a plan that will save gas and result in less pain at the pump for motorists without sacrificing safety,” Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said….There. that should do it. Now I can go crow hunting. From my last experience eating crow, I’ll need some salt, a little pepper and maybe a dash of…now, wait a minute. Hold on. Let’s take a look at those numbers again, shall we?

OK, what it boils down to is a less than 10% increase in fuel efficiency in 40% of the vehicles we drive and phased in over a longer period of time plus by creating the six categories of `light trucks’ there’s nothing to stop manufacturers from making their current trucks weigh a tad more bumping them into higher categories where they could get the same mpg they are now. Give me back my tin foil you smart crow. I gotta take another look. This proposed rule is just that, a proposed rule meaning it will under go a 90 day public comment period (lobbyists, ready those engines) adjusted and then made final in another oh, year or so. The important thing is the Administration announced a change in the rules. Kinda, sorta, maybe. “The proposal is almost embarrassing in terms of its effect on fuel consumption,” said Eric Haxthausen of Environmental Defense.

Here’s my plan. It’s simpler by half and could put a whole flock of crows in danger. Each of us make a commitment to increasing our net mpg by 25% in 2 years. There are lots of ways to do this. The easiest one is to drive less. That’s right. Not driving will increase your mpg. Cut the use of a vehicle by 10% will have a dramatic, and I mean dramatic effect. Walk, bicycle, car pool, whatever it takes to not drive one day a week. Telecommute one day a week. Simply refuse to use the car one day a week. Combine all your shopping trips into one day. No more back and forth.

Bite the bullet and trade in that gas guzzler for a hybrid or other high mpg vehicle. Stuck in an old vehicle and still having to drive a lot? Can’t afford to trade up? Start a co-op with your neighbors…seriously, go in together and buy a high mpg vehicle that everyone uses one day a week. Save up some of your trips for that day. In other words, get creative but do Something. Junior wants a car. They can use a bike until they saved up enough money. Whatever it takes. If you’re driving a vehicle that gets less than 35mpg, now, today, you’re driving down the road to ruin and that’s a plain fact.

A new voice was added to the world stage. You may not have heard her, but I did. Her message is clear, simple, and direct. I can say without hesitation that no one who sees her will come away unaffected. Sophia is that powerful. Her very presence changes things. Think I’m kidding? I’m not. It’s simple.

Ever been in the presence of a new born baby? Yours, a grand child, or just a new born? It’s different isn’t it? The absolute promise, the potential, the beauty, the breath of a new born is beyond all knowing. It simply is. It is as real gets and is a unique experience.
You’ve probably figured it out. My first grandchild was born yesterday and I’m thrilled. Yes, even in the face of George Bush and the assorted cast of idiots, bums, devils and evil incarnates, I’m happy. Happy for my son and daughter-in-law. Happy that one more human has been added to the over populated globe. Just as anyone would be. It’s more than a special moment and it’s more than a new life. It’s a statement that despite all there is hope, there is possibility, there is purpose and reason to life.

We know so much but we know so little. We fight our personal battles, we win or lose our political wars, we mature (or not) as individuals, we marry, divorce and live as we will. Bring a newborn into any room though and watch what happens. There is a peacefulness, a stillness, a presence that pulls us. It is different from any other experience we’ve had.

I remember a passage from “Mary Poppins Returns” (paraphrased). Yes, Mary Poppins, stop thinking and just read…A new born has entered the household. Mary is taking her to the nursery and the baby is babbling on about being beyond the sand and stars of time, the light beams of life and other assorted nonesence. Two birds are by an open window. They happen to be an uncle and nephew bird. The nephew, upon hearing the newborn remarks excitededly, “She remembers, she remembers where she comes from.” The uncle replies, “She’ll forget, they all do.” A week later, the birds are back and the newborn is prattling about the carriage ride in the park, what her brother had for lunch and other mundane things. The little bird is disappointed at the baby’s immersion in the world of things. The uncle comforts him and they prepare to leave. Just then, the baby says, “Wait, I remembered.” The birds turn with hope and an expectant air fills the room.  Baby announces, “Michael saved part of his cookie for you.”

Always liked that passage. Not because it reminds us how much part of the world we all are but because it reminds us we do come from somewhere and there is reason to be here. I have one more reason to be here today. A reason to fight the good fight, a reason to celebrate life, a reason to place that flower in the gun, a reason to never retreat and to take my responsibilities seriously.

I hope this diary is not too far off the mark for here and I’ll post something more ‘concrete’ later…or maybe this is the concrete one?

PS. I’m not looking for congrats and all that. I wrote this to celebrate and remember.

So Bush is on vacation…what else is new, he’s eclipsed the vacation record like everything else he touches. The biggest FUBAR in the world is on ‘vacation.’ His adminsitration has now sunk to below 40% approval rating…and some people say Camp Casey has had no effect??..Oh, but it has..Now for the break:

“Now is a great time for President Bush to go on vacation  
because Iraq is pretty much under control. But a White House  
spokesman said Bush is using his vacation to reconnect with  
regular people. So you know what that means — he’s drinking  
again.”  
–David Letterman  

“The Rolling Stones are about to go out on tour. Tickets are  
$100 a piece. But the good news is — Medicare will kick in  
half.”  
–Jay Leno  

“In a radio speech this weekend Bush said I will not be  
satisfied until every American who wants to work can find a  
job. Then Bush went back to his five-week vacation.”  
–Conan O’Brien  

“How many have seen this movie “March of The Penguins”? It’s  
doing huge business. You know why they’re marching? They  
can’t afford the gas.”  
–Jay Leno  
“I went to fill up this morning and there was a sign on the  
pump, ‘We take Visa, Master Card, American Express.’ So  
they took my Visa, Mastercard and my American Express!”  
–Jay Leno  

“So Congress is on recess and Bush is on vacation — the  
town is empty. It’s so lonely in D.C. right now the NRA and  
the Oil lobby are just giving money to each other.”  
–Jay Leno  

“Bush woke up this morning, saw his shadow and now — six more weeks of vacation.” –Jay Leno

“President Bush still having his five-week vacation. Today President Bush announced he is going to leave his ranch in Texas to visit Idaho for two days. However, Bush told his supporters, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t do any work there either.'” –Conan O’Brien

“How many of you are glad they’re writing a new constitution in Iraq? How many of you just wish they’d stop rewriting ours here at home?” –Jay Leno

“President Bush is on week three of his marathon five-week vacation. In fact, he has been gone on vacation for so long that today in Washington, a judge ruled that a young couple with two children can now legally move into the White House because it appears to have been abandoned by its previous tenants.” –Jay Leno

“President Bush is on a five-week vacation down in Crawford,  
Texas, and it’s what they call a working vacation. And staff  
say it is an important time because it’s time for him to kick  
back. And I’m thinking, when does this guy kick forward?”  
–David Letterman  

“Baltimore Orioles first basemen Rafael Palmeiro has been  
suspended for 10 games by Major League Baseball after test-  
ing positive for steroids. He’s also a spokesperson for  
Viagra. So he’s on steroids and Viagra. You know what that  
means? He doesn’t need a bat anymore.”  
–Jay Leno  

“President Bush had breakfast with his Supreme Court nominee  
John Roberts. Afterwards Bush said he’s never seen such a  
qualified candidate and John Roberts said he’s never seen a  
grown man eat Count Chocula.”  
–Conan O’Brien  

Let me know if it gave you a moment to refresh before charging on.

Howard Dean was just on Face the Nation with host Bob Schieffer (sp) and John Hall (political editor of WaPO)

Following are some of the key points he made:

On Iraq: “We need a plan to leave.”

If this new constituttion takes away women’s rights then what are we doing there?

‘What’s a reasonable way to get out? Why isn’t there a plan? The President is responsible for a plan, he has the intelligence, he should have a plan. Where is it?’

On Cindy Sheehan, he was asked, ‘Should Bush meet with her’? Answer: “Sure he should.”
Then he went on to say troops still dont have the equipment needed and this Administration doesn’t know what they are doing. They have no direction.

Other items: Republicans are invading the private lives of Americans.

Iran: ‘Bush lacks credibility to make statements due to his past statements on Iraq and he doesn’t have the resources to follow thru on threats against Iran.’

On what the Dem message should be: “We can do better” Under Clinton, balanced budget. Under Truman, a goal for national health care. Dem message should be consistent from Alabama to California: Budget, health care, education.

Asked about Intelligent Design: “President has been attacking science since he came into office.” ID is a religious perception and even Einstein was interested in it but science is science, facts are facts. The fact is the President doesn’t care what the facts are whether it’s Iraq, deficits, or education.

Dean’s advice to Dems: ‘Always atand up and say what you believe. Dems need to be right and strong.’

On how he is perceived in DC: Quoted Truman, ‘I just tell the truth and they think it is hell.’

Dean stated that Republicans scapegoat a group every election cycle. In 2002 it was African Americans and ‘quotas’, in 2004 it was gays and marriage in in 2006 it will be immigrants. ‘Bigotry is not welcome in a debate.’

What was Not Said and my observation:

Dean continues to confound the ‘pundits’. Reporters just aren’t used to someone who answers questions directly and doesn’t waste time or beat around the issues. He stayed on message and didn’t pull punches. However, while he did not propose a plan to withdraw from Iraq, he did say it needs to happen. He did not stay on Cindy at all and (IMO) missed an opportunity.

If you saw it, what did you think?  

I searched the archives but did not see an article on this and it really is a perfect example of what’s wrong with the ‘Washington’ culture… From the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee)…

“This coming September 11, The Washington Post will risk its credibility to co-sponsor the Defense Department’s “America Supports You Freedom Walk” in Washington, DC.  (Defense contractor Lockheed Martin is among the other sponsors.)

For instance, the “Freedom Walk” will conclude with a free concert on the Mall featuring country singer and war supporter Clint Black whose song, “Iraq and Roll” includes the lyrics:

You can wave your signs and protest
against America taking a stand,
the stands America’s taking
are the reason that you can.

The song goes on to imply that those who oppose the war support Saddam Hussein.

Does this sound like an event that one of America’s most influential newspapers should be sponsoring?”

Read all about it and send your letter to WaPO here

http://www.afsc.org/iraq/washpost.htm
Naturally, there’s an article in WaPO defending their participation. Here are some excerpts with my comments in (  )

“They’re supporting American troops worldwide, supporting troops, not the policy, and they’re honoring people who died in the Pentagon attack on 9/11,” said Jim Farley, vice president for news and programming with WTOP. “As I see it, those are both worthwhile. We’re not making a connection between the war and 9/11.” (The fact the event is being held on September 11 has nothing to do with 9/11)

Representatives of the media organizations drew a distinction between supporting the troops and supporting the war policy. They also said the sponsorships emanated from the corporate sides of their companies, not the newsroom. (And the public will make that distinction as well won’t they?)

“No common person will see this as not taking sides in this war,” said Adam Eidinger, a promoter of the antiwar concert being called Operation Ceasefire. “This is clearly support for the war because it’s being organized by the U.S. military.”
(Hey Adam, is WaPO or any other corporations supporting your concert? Thought not)

Read the rest here http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/11/AR2005081101980.html

 Send an email to the publisher and editors of the Post asking that the paper withdraw from the walk and avoid the appearance of conflict of interest. http://www.afsc.org/iraq/washpost.htm

Cindy Sheehan, who on the spur of the moment decided to go to the President’s ranch, has been joined by hundreds of parents, current and former military, supporters and the national press corps. A one day story that could have been President meets with grieving anti-war Mother has become The stand off at the Crawford Corral and is sticking in the throats of the American public. Yesterday, there were more than 1,800 stories filed on the peaceful Crawford encampment and today already 1,400. Cindy and Camp Casey have been on all major network news for three days straight. How did the President respond?
He Drove By. That’s right. On his way to a $2million fundraiser, he Drove By. At the same time, Rove’s minions (those not already being questioned by a grand jury) are out trying to portray Cindy as a crazed, bereaved mother who is dishonoring America. That’s right. Attacking the mother of a slain soldier. Brilliant!

Their hubris and pride knows no boundary. Again, early on, Bush could have met with her for 30 minutes, honored her son’s sacrifice, shared her pain, agreed to disagree on the war and as far as the media was concerned, if she stuck around it was her business and she would have looked, well, like she had heat stroke. Instead, Bush thought he could ignore her, who is going to notice or care? But in the heat and dust of Texas, which resembles the heat and dust of Iraq Bush has found the limit to his pride. That limit is the will of millions. Yes, thousands and soon millions of people are getting very motivated to end this war, end the carnage, end the daily toll of dead and wounded and bug out.

The only reason to stay in Iraq is the ‘We broke it, we have to fix it argument’. Bush tries to spin this as ‘We can’t let the terrorists win’. So, How do we win? We win by establishing a constitution and a legitimate government, elected and supported by the people. We help them found a democracy. So let’s take a look at how that is going. Iraq is not a country. Iraq is a number of regions that historically, to put it kindly, do not get along. They are currently arguing over whether women get to vote and who controls the oil. Iraq is not safe, the infrastructure is still in shambles and you cannot go from Baghdad to the airport with any degree of security. The factions are in virtual civil war and many of the so called ministers of the government we have set up are crooks or worse. Remember Ahmed Chalabi, the guy the neo cons loved and who was flown in with a private army to be the next leader? Then he was discredited as a crook and possible spy? He’s one of the ministers of this fine government.

The bottom line? Not only did we break it but we can’t fix it. That’s a painful and hard lesson for the American psyche. We really believe we can fix anything. It’s a particularly male affliction, the idea we can fix things. But we can’t. In fact, as long as we are the ones fixing things with our troops, it will remain broken. There is little trust in the occupier.

So, what happens if we leave? It would be a mess but not much more than it is now, it can’t get much worse. What if Iran takes over? Through the majority Shiites, it already has a degree of influence and a Muslim government is a likely outcome in any case. However, the likliehood is the rest of the world would be forced to bail us out and no less an entity than the UN will have to rescue us from the Biggest Mistake Ever. The USA will have to beg the organization it reviles. John Bolton will have to resign or fall to his knees and beg for help. Can you see it? The Walrus acknowledging an error and begging? Countries like France, Russia, and Germany will put together a coalition and broker a peace with most of the insurgents. Iraq will likely be balkanized but the world will go on.

Except Bush and Company will not fall on their sword. They haven’t got the guts, the brains, or the integrity and that is becoming more clear every day Cindy Sheehan is in Crawford. If he won’t even talk to her and can barely stammer through a prepared speech that includes the immortal words, ” I hear her” and then Drive Past Her, than we are indeed dumber than we think. Go to Crawford if you can, Go to the White House when he returns and in close to the words of John Hiatt…. “Bring lawyers, food, and money.” We will not walk away. We will save our troops from a war that was launched wrong, will end wrong no matter what and should not cost one more life. No parent should have to go thru what Cindy and thousands of others are going through. Bless the peacemakers. Bless them all.

and the Veterans for Peace and the bloggers and everyone else who is in Crawford? So, which elected Dems will stand with Cindy?

Let’s see: John Kerry is currently traveling around the country in a Ford pick-up towing a Harley..sounds like he’s running for something…He was just at the Imus ranch in New Mexico…not far from Crawford..will he show?

General Wes Clark: Also going around the country. Was in Maine a few days ago. He’ll be in Arkansas on the 15th, that’s pretty close.

Hillary Clinton: Didn’t find her schedule.

Howard Dean: He could show up anywhere, anytime. One of the things I like about him.

Bill Richardson: Gov of a nearby state…went to Korea to negotiate with Commies..will he go to TX?

That Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer: His events calendar doesn’t open (at least he has one)

Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia has no official events scheduled according to his web site
I could go on and research others but you get the idea. It’s Recess Time in Congress so it’s possible elected Dems may start to show up in Crawford.

And Why Not? The media will be there, it will make for great TV and some of the Dems may have Principles and the same kind of feelings we do. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a Democrat. I’m a county party secretary and I’m committed to making the party better and winning elections by running quality candidates. I want our party leaders to stand with Cindy in Crawford. I don’t care if they are there for a day or a week but it is high time they showed up. Now is the time and Crawford is the place.

Your take? Who will stand with Cindy?

UPDATE: This from MSNBC: “Nearly 40 Democratic members of Congress have asked Bush to talk to her.”…OK folks, now join her in Crawford…step up!

What if this tireless crusader for peace brings the war to a halt? What if America reacts in numbers and backs her effort? What if people join her in person, by emailing a few $, joining the fast or posting Camp Casey signs? What if the media picks up on this courageous woman’s efforts…oh, she’s already on the Today Show this morning…What if ministers and parents of other dead and wounded servicemen joined her?

I can see this escalating pretty quickly and Bush suddenly changes his vacation plans. He goes back to DC and Mom Cindy goes to DC. If you have no idea what I’m talking about go to http://dailykos.com/story/2005/8/7/171338/7578
Symbols change reality. Ask Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and even Karl Rove. Symbols, like the mother of a dead soldier, killed in an senseless war that less and less of the country supports, fasting while the President takes a 55 day ‘working vacation’ is powerful. Possibly very powerful. Life cannot go on as normal while Mom Cindy is in Camp Casey.

The first day she was there two of the Administration’s powerful people came out to talk to her and she apparently more than held her own. She has a quiet, even voice that is very relatable. She states clear positions in language anyone can her. She is determined, made of steel and is there for the duration.

What if Howard Dean joined her? Several members of Congress? What if this builds into the news story of the summer? Not Jacko, not Hollywood divorces, not any of the other mindless drivel but a committed Mom making her stand against the senseless slaughter of it all. Every day this war is being exposed as not only having no basis for starting but no plan to end it.

What If it just happened? The war stops. They stop the patrols, tehy pull back and in an emergency session ask the UN for help. We ask Arab neighbors for help, we admit we made a horrible mess of things and what do we do now? Not sure if this Admin can admit but what would happen? Would other countries step up? Would the US installed (and apparently corrupt) government step down? What would stepping up look like? Could a UN led effort produce a ceasefire while real help for the Iraqis got established? I don’t know but it could be possible. What if the UN got 3 months to get electricity, water, and sewers operating?

What If a Mom Stops the War. It’s happening http://www.demaction.org/dia/organizations/codepink/signUp.jsp?key=530

What if people took local action in support of Mom Cindy and local press picked up on it? What if it spread on the blogs and people took action…What If? Will some of us go to Texas? Donate so their minister can go? Urge your Congress Rep and Senator to stand with her? This is very powerful which is why the powerful are scared and are trying to intimidate them. Mom Cindy, you are stopping the war. Right now. It’s happening.

UPDATE (From a DKos diary: Cindy Sheehan phoned from Texas a few minutes ago to say that she’s been informed that beginning Thursday, she and her companions will be considered a threat to national security and will be arrested. Coincidentally, Thursday is the day that Rice and Rumsfeld visit the ranch, and Friday is a fundraiser event for the haves and the have mores. Cindy said that she and others plan to be arrested.
http://www.meetwithcindy.org

[From the diaries by susanhu w minor edits] In the flush of Hackett’s exceptional showing in southern Ohio — and it is fantastic — and reading some of the threads it occurred to me some of us may want to get involved in ‘Candidate Recruitment’. I’ve helped do this on a state and district level and it’s not that difficult so allow me a couple of minutes and read on.

Now it helps if you are part of the Dem party (it simplifies the process), but it can be done by any determined, focused group who lives in said district. This process works for any level race, from local through Congressional….
(xposted at DKos)

First off, your pool of candidates may be bigger than it looks. To find a candidate you need to have a group who knows the area and its people reasonably well. That can be the local Dem county committee or DFA or bloggers but don’t do candidate ID in a vacumn. Ask these questions:

Who are the solid, good people in the community: Principals, librarians, store owners, non-profit ex. directors, doctors, lawyers, dentists, chiros, farmers, police, etc etc. In essence, who are the people who have community contact in their daily activities. Don’t leave out current Dem office holders but do expand that basic list.

Make a long list. Ignore their political affiliation but make sure they reside in the district! (voter reg lists or even ye olde phone book)

ID people who know these people. Ask them what they think about the idea of Person X runing for office. If they like it, ask them to have a conversation with their friend to sound them out. If you can’t find a friend of theirs, send someone from the group.

Compile the list of people who do not completely say NO more than 4 times (Ask at least 4 times) and then engage the ‘food chain’. That is, contact current office holders (preferably those who would be their peers) to ask them to run. Repeat this process until the highest Dem political office holder in the state is asking. Let’s say you want someone to run for the state legislature. Get the county chair to ask them, then another legislator and then a Member of Congress or the Governor (if a Dem)

When you are successful, form a campaign committee and launch the next phase.

Most of the people who you get on a list Do Not wake up thinking about running for office. They have busy lives, probably different priorities and are likely to be resistant to running and could even care less about politics (it is hard work after all). The process of wooing a candidate is often different for each candidate. You want to find the people they admire and get them to make the ask. You also have to show a level of organization and fund raising ability. That’s why it helps to do this as part of the Dem party. That’s not so hard. Volunteer for your county party, offer to get involved in candidate recruitment. Get the ball rolling.

Don’t get discouraged. This is an effort in which perfectly good people will say NO far more often than Yes but persist and out of 10 ‘qualified’ people asked at least one will say yes. I could go on with more of the nuances but these are the basics.

Remember, Paul Hackett was not an office holder, nor had he even run for dog catcher. He’s another stand up American who had enough of the current Admin.

Great article in WaPo on the effect mass emails are having on Congress. I think they may create more staff and intern positions (a new bureaucracy!)…Select quotes:

“According to a new study, electronic messages to the House of Representatives doubled to 99 million from 2000 to 2004. In the Senate, the number of e-mails more than tripled to 83 million during the same period.”

“Lawmakers have to struggle to keep from drowning in the deluge while interest groups and their consultants scramble to find new ways to inundate them.” <<We keep wanting representative democracy, darn people aren’t we?>>

“But only 17 percent of the House offices and 38 percent of the Senate offices have their acts together enough to answer all the e-mails they receive with e-mail responses.” <<and those are usually along the lines of, we have received, we are buried>>)

“Most offices reply to some or all of their e-mail with postal letters, a time consuming and cumbersome chore. The main reason for this is lawmakers fear that their return e-mails might be altered in ways that could create political problems for them.” <<so that’s how those Hillary stories get started>>

As one frustrated legislative director told the foundation: “[There is] too much mail, not enough staff. Not enough time to do it, particularly when in session. [We’re] really losing sight of the important letters that come in — like the three-page letter from Grandma as opposed to those floods of mail where all they’re doing is clicking a button. It’s insane.” <<Actually, what’s insane is how out of touch many Congressional offices are. If you were doing a good job, you wouldn’t be getting so much mail.>>

“And once the e-mails penetrate Congress, staffers, for all their griping, usually take them into account. The survey shows that congressional offices at least tally and take note of the vast majority of electronic messages they receive, even if they are mass produced.”
<<pour it on Grandma, but Personalize it..and personalize it by starting at the Top of the mass email. Make that first paragraph Your Paragraph>>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/10/AR2005071001011.html?referrer=email