This is the perfect counterpoint to all the grandstanding about calling your representatives. I tried calling both my Senators' offices when one of the "big issues" was going around. (I don't even remember what it was now.) In both cases, I got some aide who 1) couldn't or wouldn't tell me my Senator's position on the bill, and 2) couldn't possibly care less (despite what they said) about my opinion on the matter. I mean, I'm sorry to be pessimistic about it, but on that day, I learned that the average person does NOT, in fact, have any influence in what's going on in Washington. Influencing legislation is a right reserved for campaign contributors. Until we get serious about "getting money out of politics," that will be the case.
Yeah I dont even bother with the whole "call / write your senator" stuff. Total just get these condescending auto-responses telling you why they're right and you're wrong.
> Influencing legislation is a right reserved for campaign contributors. Until we get serious about "getting money out of politics," that will be the case.
I dont even think its just that. I'd wager than whenever a case like this comes up, the bill is either popular in the congressperson home state or people are widely just ignorant about it and what it entails. These two things probably help contribute to some of the most unpopular senators nationally are constantly re-elected and have been for decades.
Fully agreed. Exactly the same response AND same attitude from our representatives. The attitude part of it was the worst- it's specifically designed to be unrewarding, to make you leave them alone .
There are technical solutions coming down the pike at our benighted lawmakers that are going to change the balance of power and force them to be more attentive and truly represent their constituents. That's all I can say for now.
Pelosi and Feinstein DO truly represent their constituents as far as I can tell, it has to be said. I don't particularly like either of them, but then I don't particularly care for the people they represent either.
