Re: PATRIOT/USA technical problems, call to action

[Brian Russo <brusso () phys hawaii edu>]

On Mon, Oct 08, 2001 at 01:05:37PM -0400, Cristopher Daniluk wrote:
> Probably best to not refer to them as congresscritters when you call, and to
> understand the legal definitions of words where they are different than
> "our" definitions of them.

Slightly OT, but to carry that point home a bit, since the average
person on here may not be familiar with writing prose to officials.

Be CLEAR, reference the HR/S bill #, state your position.
Be CONCISE, 1 page is perfect.
Be FACTUAL, avoid rhetoric, or emotional arguments.
Be COURTEOUS, being nice doesn't mean being soft.

Demonstrate expertise, personal experience/knowledge of the issue.
Explain adverse consequences, suggest better solutions.
Be sure to write YOUR representative ;-)
If writing to another representative, explain how this will
 impede/affect actions that would have otherwise benefited their
 area.
Ask for a reply (you should get one if you send snail mail).
Use Dear Senator, or Dear Congress[wo]man


 - bri, not wanting any more stupid laws, and omitting
 some insanely obvious stuff here like, typing the letter.

-- 
Unix Staff, High Energy Physics Group   <brusso () phys hawaii edu>
Debian/GNU Linux! http://www.debian.org <wolfie () debian org>