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Like our opinions matter. I learned from net neutrality that my representatives will do whatever they want to do, without regard for the peoples wishes.
by yoyohello13 5y ago
Like our opinions matter. I learned from net neutrality that my representatives will do whatever they want to do, without regard for the peoples wishes.
- MattPalmer1086 5y agoIf enough people write in it can have an effect. It can provide political ammunition for those who are already supportive of your position. It may sway representatives who haven't made up their minds and want to get relected. It probably won't change the minds of those who are already fully committed to the other position. Your one letter won't make much difference. Many letters can sway opinion to some extent. I also prefer to participate in the process occasionally.
- alx__ 5y agoIt depends. Some folks do weigh the responses Some don't. Looking at you Nancy Pelosi & Dianne Feinstein
- guerrilla 5y ago> If enough people write in it can have an effect. How do you know?
- MattPalmer1086 5y agoIn the UK at least, we see politicians talking about what their constituents are writing to them about. I suppose they could all be lying. I've had a letter I wrote to my local MP passed all the way up to central government and received a reply from them. Later, I actually met someone who mentioned a "certain letter" they had to deal with... Which turned out to be the one I'd written!
- guerrilla 5y ago> I suppose they could all be lying. It is what they're known for... > I've had a letter I wrote to my local MP passed all the way up to central government and received a reply from them. Later, I actually met someone who mentioned a "certain letter" they had to deal with... Which turned out to be the one I'd written! I can see that as being useful to keep the urban legend alive. What I'd like to see is statistical evidence but I'm thinking that might not be available.
- MattPalmer1086 5y agoIt's easier to suppose that some politicians are paying attention to what their voters are motivated enough to write to them about. How much effect it has in the real world is hard to say of course.
- guerrilla 5y agoI don't know why you'd think that's easier to suppose. Seems naive. How does listening to you benefit them? Listening to lobbyists, on the other hand...
- MattPalmer1086 5y agoListening to me does nothing. I still think local representives pay attention to when many people express concerns. Lobbying seems to be more of an issue in central government in the UK, not so much at the local level. But I do agree they have outsize influence.
- CRConrad 5y ago> How does listening to you benefit them? Listening to lobbyists, on the other hand... Listening to lobbyists (and implementing the stuff they ask for) can only get a politician money to try and buy votes he can use to cling on to his position. People writing in from his constituency, OTOH, are the voters he needs, and listening to their demands and implementing those has a much higher chance of directly giving him their votes.
- LocalPCGuy 5y agoThis same bill was shelved once before due to outcry about it. They just keep putting it back out there (very similar to Net Neutrality). The key is, to continue the pressure each time it's re-introduced (which is hard, yes). But there is some precedent that vocal outcry and campaigns to write representatives does have some impact.
- drdaeman 5y agoThe outcry came from media, not folks writing to politicians. So, write to your favorite news agency instead of/in addition to your "representative"?