What are you prepared to do?
It's the simple things that make the difference. Calling, faxing, and emailing your elected representatives, from local to federal, will pay off. Never believe that "your" single voice will not be counted and heard. What would happen if we all said, "What difference would it make? They do not listen and will only do what they want?"
But, what if we all took action to oppose tax increases or other anti-tobacco legislation? What happens when you add a single voice to a second voice? It gets louder. Keeping adding one voice to that total, and before you know it, you've got alot of people on the same side. Yes, the anti's are doing the same, but I will bet you a cigar that most of their members do alot of talking--we have to outmatch them at the polls, on the phone lines--in everything we do to challenge anti-tobacco proposals!
Also, keep this in mind--only 25% (a rough average) of voter-eligible American citizens actually vote! Even less in non-presidential elections. That give us a potential edge. Let those too lazy to vote stay at home. These are the ones who do all the complaining and none of the voting.
Remember this, the electee's only goal while in office is to get reelected--that's the bottom line! They listen to their constituents. Does this mean they will agree with you-- depends on their position. But when our group speaks loud and clear, it's no longer just one vote opposing their potential decision, it's many votes! That will make the candidate or representative think twice about what their final decision will be!
But, what if we all took action to oppose tax increases or other anti-tobacco legislation? What happens when you add a single voice to a second voice? It gets louder. Keeping adding one voice to that total, and before you know it, you've got alot of people on the same side. Yes, the anti's are doing the same, but I will bet you a cigar that most of their members do alot of talking--we have to outmatch them at the polls, on the phone lines--in everything we do to challenge anti-tobacco proposals!
Also, keep this in mind--only 25% (a rough average) of voter-eligible American citizens actually vote! Even less in non-presidential elections. That give us a potential edge. Let those too lazy to vote stay at home. These are the ones who do all the complaining and none of the voting.
Remember this, the electee's only goal while in office is to get reelected--that's the bottom line! They listen to their constituents. Does this mean they will agree with you-- depends on their position. But when our group speaks loud and clear, it's no longer just one vote opposing their potential decision, it's many votes! That will make the candidate or representative think twice about what their final decision will be!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dylan Austin on -
Excellent post Chris!
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Permalink Reply by Chris on -
Thank you Dylan. This has become my sermon from the pulpit. I like to think those who have heard it all before are not growing tired of it, but feel reenergized by it. Most importantly, I wholeheartedly believe in what I say--the challenge come in convincing those who may not. Most of us have an attitude of not trusting government, in believing our efforts are futile. I was one of the countless multitude who held that belief--no longer.
The important factor to remember, when we talk with legislators, some may be genuine in their concerns, others are looking to avoid conflict and will simply pat us on the head as they tell us what we want to hear, then send us on our way. Convincing the legislator of our position is the most difficult, but once we gain their legitimate attention, it's amazing how they do listen.
It's the effort that pays off.
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Permalink Reply by Santonio Jackson on
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Chris, you and your guys have done a hell of a job trying to fight this thing. Thank you for all your efforts!
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Permalink Reply by Chris on
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Thanks Santonio, though the credit goes to so many people involved in this! It would sound like an Oscar speech to name them all. Like all fights, you take it one day at a time, but plan ahead as far as possible, and see what the next day brings.
Check the IPCPR's Legislative Action Center and bookmark it. Make sure you subscribe to the mailing list so you may be notified of new Action Alerts (if you have not already).
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Permalink Reply by Paul on -
I would like to make my voice heard, but I'm a lazy easily intimidated soul (well, lazy anyway). Are there any template letters/faxes/emails that I can send to my congressman/representative?
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Permalink Reply by Chris on
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Hi Paul: A fantastic self-observation and following question. You have to know, you are not alone! next time you are with your friends, ask them how many have picked up the phone or wrote the legislators (both state and federal) regarding tobacco legislation. Chances are, few. And I can already hear the excuses--"what difference will it make? They do not care."
So, you feel somewhat lazy and a bit intimidated? That's the real reason most people will not call or write their state reps or congressmen. It's an intimidating thing to do. Just remember these things:
1. You are a constituent, so they will want to hear from you, regardless of that their own position may be. Congressmen and Senators have daily reports sent to their DC office about the number of messages left at the district offices. Most have randomly-selected messages forwarded to their offices so their Chiefs-of-Staff may review them. Some congressmen even read these messages (let's be honest--they do not have enough time to read them all).
2. When you call their local office (most effective), it's going to be someone who is friendly and courteous, and will take your message. That's what they are trained and paid to do.
3. They are no different from us--they put their pants on the same way we do.
So do not let their titles intimidate you.
On a template for writing letters, it can be tough to put your thoughts into words, or if you do, you hope waht you have to say will be relevant. We have helped you and others with writers' block: if you go to IPCPR's Legislative Action Center, periodically, you will find an Action Alert posted (as we currently have one for SCHIP). We use two types of Alerts--a Call Alert and a written Alert.
The Call Alert will request you call your elected officials' offices to leave them a message--talking points, tips, and phone numbers are provided.
The written Action Alert, depending on the nature and political strategy, will be defaulted to either email or fax, though, Paul, as the system user, you may select what mode of delivery you prefer.
These written Action Alerts also provide talking points--you simply click on the red arrow next to each talking point to insert that particular bullet point into your letter. you also have the option of typing your own letter into the text box.
It's a great system, easy to use, and I hope I have done most of the work for you--it's up to you to take that next step and help out the industry that brings you so much pleasure.
Thanks again for your comment and question! Now, since you are online, go to the Action Center and join the emailing list!
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Permalink Reply by Paul on
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OK I called them all:
- John Kerry
- Edward Kennedy
- Nikki Tsongas
heh.
Just had to think a little about why I was opposed to the bill in the first place and then it was pretty easy.
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Permalink Reply by Red James (RJ) on -
I wrote a letter to Virginia DEL. Poisson and SEN. Herring today showing my displeasure over HB500 and SCHIP. Now, if we can get others to follow suit, we might just get somewhere. All Virginia residents can go to this VA Legislator website and fill out your address. The web page will generate your contacts automatically. Simply type in your info and hit send.
Regards,
RJ
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Permalink Reply by Elesix on -
Thank you very much Gentlemen for the reminder and the links. I must admit after reading the trail of messages, I felt compelled to follow your lead and write to my representatives, VA by the way and then I went to the IPCPR Action Center. I’m following your lead and intend to stay abreast of this issue by joining your group.
r/Elesix.
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