(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.