(1) This is a participatory Democracy. The system depends on concerned citizens voicing their opinions directly to the people whom they elect. Part of the reason why public discourse got so skewed in America is that the right wing noise machine generates epic, coordinated waves of phone calls and letters to Senators, Representatives, newspapers and TV stations. Believe it or not, their inane demands getting voiced is a sign that the system works. If you don’t call and kvetch then your opinion might as well not exist.
(2) Do you think that teabaggers avoid pestering Democrats? Of course they call. Your representatives deserve to know that you exist and how you feel about things. If they get enough feedback after doing something particularly stupid or regrettable, they might not do it again.
(3) Republican party unity can also work against them. When the Party makes them line up behind something especially unpopular, like privatizing Social Security and shrinking existing benefits, calls can really turn the screws on Reps who don’t necessarily have safe seats. Phone your Rep today and find out whether he or she agrees with Paul Ryan that the bright minds behind AIG ought to run everyone’s Social Security portfolio. Ryan’s proposal will make great ammo against them in November and they know it.
IndyLib
Unfortunately my Rep is Paul Ryan.
beltane
Republicans should have been targeted from the beginning. The utter failure to go after them is what has most pissed me off about the so-called progressive movement. While it may be more fun to threaten Bernie Sanders, it would have been more effective to put Olympia Snowe in an uncomfortable position.
beltane
@IndyLib: So call his office and demand to know why he wants to steal your retirement money and give it to some lazy douchbag of a banker.
...now I try to be amused
Yes yes yes. I don’t know why Dems don’t do that in campaigns. If a Republican representative isn’t seen as a wingnut, remind the voters that he votes like a wingnut.
Laughingriver
I think its a great idea as long as we have one simple restriction, the funds that take social security monies can only invest in safe US Treasury Bonds…
:>)
eastriver
You should start your own call center, Tim. (Or do you already have one?)
I’m not snarkin’ or barkin’, just Meadow Larkin.
Tim F.
@eastriver: Why? I already have one.
Sanka
Yes, call your Republicans.
And do Democrats stand for anything other than being the party of no? A party of obstructionism?
I expect Keith Olbermann to voice sincere concern about this.
a sever tongue-lashing to these impudent, racist scum who want to see babies denied healthcare coverage and for insurance companies executives to chew up and spit out puppies. Why don’t they just STFU and listen to what their betters in Washington say is good for them?Stupid
RepublicansDemocrats…mds
No, but that’s because Democrats will shriek and grab their ankles in capitulation if a bunch of stupid fucks yell incoherently at them about Hitler and socialism. Republicans don’t give a shit what anyone other than those same stupid fucks and the super-wealthy think about them.
IndyLib
@beltane:
I’m already on a first name basis with half his staff, I write and call his office regularly. They weren’t so bad last year, I at least got a polite hearing, but Ryan has crossed the wingnut Rubicon.
Tom Hilton
I think Steve M is right: the Democrats should put Ryan’s proposal to a vote. Let every Republican in Congress go on the record either in favor of eviscerating Medicare, or against their party’s only serious policy proposal.
Mustang Bobby
I’ve called my rep, who is Lincoln Diaz-Balart, one of the two Cuban-American hardliners that sit in Congress from South Florida; he’s as nutty as they come, and still I call. I think they refer to me as “that smartass from Palmetto Bay” now.
someguy
Okay, I’ll call Republicans.
But what do you want me to call them? I’m running out of profanities here.
eastriver
@Tim F.:
You mean the Juicers? The Bad News Bears with speed-dial?
cathaireverywhere
I called my rep, Republican rising star Kevin Mc Carthy, and politely encouraged him to work toward health care reform. I reminded the staffer that he knows as well as I do how bad the poverty here is and how many people waste taxpayer money by using the emergency room for primary care. I told her about my father and aunt who both are without healthcare because of their jobs and the expense of buying insurance. I told her how frustrating it is to see my representative saying nothing but “No, no no.” First she sounded bored, then she sounded annoyed. Ugh. I also called Pelosi’s office to encourage her to keep working on HCR. I got a machine, but left the message anyway.
Tim F.
@eastriver: Be a big boy and make a point.
Something Fabulous
Oh, goodie. Thanks for revving this up, Tim. It’s so tempting to feel like now that the President has visibly gone on the offensive… a bit, we can let up ourselves. In fact the opposite is true. Sigh. So tiresome, this participatory silliness. [what does the snark emoticon look like?] I’ll call my Senators at lunchtime.
Mayken
I write or call the craptacular Elton of the Jerry-mandered CA 24th Galleghly pretty frequently, much good has it ever done me. I know at least a couple of his staff know my voice… *sigh* I’ll give him a buzz but I think I’d rather expend time and effort on one of the Dems set to run against him. (Haven’t decided which one though leaning toward Tim Allison. Although I actually wish his wife would run rather than him!)
Gods I wish I could have Lois Capps back!
BombIranForChrist
Thanks for posting this. I haven’t called my Congressman because he is a Republican asshat, but you have convinced me.
Shane in Utah
You obviously don’t live in Utah. My congressional delegation does what the LDS church leadership tells them to do; they don’t give a damn what I think…
Mothra
I sent your post to all the Democrats on my contacts list who are represented by Republicans or our very Blue Dogs here in Tennessee. Thanks, Doug.
LauraNo
I wrote a long heart felt letter to Paul Ryan and never got a response. Because I was asking him to help pass health care reform so I must not count. This is a good idea that will not work because republicans are no longer a responsible party, period.
Tim F.
@Mothra: I’m not Doug, but you’re welcome.
lagunadeb
I write, call and e-mail all of CA political as*hats..most local aristcrat-repubs ignore me cuz they are Repubs..I get letters back from Boxer and Finestein, sometimes email sometime a written thank you.
Luthe
My Senator is Joe Lieberman. Should I call him? (considering he could give a fuck what I think)