Writing letters to politicians

Anyone who writes the president, senators, representatives or, for that matter, any high-level politician should know how their message is handled.

Your letter is handled by a low-level clerk who opens it, looks for a check and, if he doesn’t “round file” it, he will select a subject to comment on. The clerks have hundreds of pre-written comments on the computer. The clerk will select a subject, type in your name and address and punch “print.” There are gaps in the text where your name will automatically be added to make it seem personal.

Unless your name comes up as a high-level contributor, your comments will never reach the addressee.

Don A. Eberle
Freeman, Mo.

Comments

[jack]

I clearly understand that virtually any letter I write to a Congressman/Senator will be handled by a clerk. And most will be dealt with by form letter. Most will only be noted on an in-house form that lets the representative know how many letters about an issue are of what opinion. But not all are handled that way.

When I waged my letter writing campaign about my son's unit being ready to go to Iraq without proper equipment, I received personal replies from Pat Robertson, Sam Brownback and Dennis Moore. Most of the friends and relatives who sent letters to their Congressmen/Senators also received personal responses. And my son't unit got their equipment.

When the TBI problems arose with my son post Iraq, I received multiple phone calls from Congressman Moore's Military Liason Assistant. He followed up with both my son and the military. My son got what he needed because the congressman's office took personal action.

It is unreasonble to expect personal attention from any congressman or senator. However, when it is something they can have a direct impact on for their constituents, it is reasonable to expect the appropriate person in their office to take action.

[strlslvr]

What was the point of this letter anyway?? I am under no illusions that when I write my congressperson or other politician that they sit there and read each letter individually. I'm sure there are some they read themselves and not all of them "contain a check" as he surmises. Was Mr Eberle upset he received a form letter back instead of a hand written note the last time he wrote a letter to a politician?

[devin]

Well what do you expect? A federal representative has millions of constituents, generally, and probably receives hundreds of letters a day. Do you think they're going to read and write a personal response to every one of them?

Aides read the letters, use them to get an idea how the constituents feel about various issues, and advise the official accordingly. I've heard that some officials use a formula where every letter they receive represents x number of constituents who feel the same way but didn't write, though I don't know how true that is. Regardless, if the aides count 100 letters in support of a particular issue in a day, and 5 against it, which way do you think they'll advise the official to go? That's democracy, folks. It doesn't mean you can write a letter and assume your elected official will give you everything you want. It means you can address your official, and if enough people feel the same way, you'll probably influence that official's position. It ain't perfect, but I've yet to hear a better idea.

[Not Your Average Joe]

If I write my US congressman, I usually get a formal response in the mail, but I dont know who wrote it. Sometimes it addresses my specific comment....sometimes it a form letter.

It will be interesting to hear any response letters from politicians in the Star.

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Don they will address your letter they just will not do anything to assist you unless it will win them some points politically.
Although I did get some resolve from K. Gary Sherman when he was the Director of Social Services, it was very enlgihtening to have a politician actually go above and beyond. He conducted an audit of my case with DCSE and found their fraudulent activity, of course since it's government, no one was held accountable. He did make the proper adjustments and apologized but the new crook in office decided she simply would negate his audot findings, now the State Audtor has concluded much of the same fraud within the State of Missouri, Gov. Blunt does nothing, Sen. Matt Bartle, nothing, Janel Luck and her goon squad is allowed to simply get away with it. Sen. Bond is worthless, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver has done nothing. So you are right when it comes to the federal level players. Government is purchased not elected.