Congressperson XXX is a Democrat outside my district representation. XXX Voted in favor of the resolution to create a constitutional amendment to prevent desecration of the flag. I was moved to write the following. I don’t expect a response. I don’t even expect the representative to read it. Still, I’m going to post it here. I’m curious to hear what my readers thing.
Dear Congressperson XXX,
I am admittedly not a consituant in your district. I moved to Washington State in June of 2005 into district #2. I am writing to simply state that I am gravely disappointed.
I have read that you voted in favor of HJ Res 10 supporting a Constitutional amendment to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
The United States Constitution has been a document designed to limit the powers of the US Government. In only one case has it been changed to limit the rights of people. This was Prohibition. This amendment was struck shortly after its passage.
By supporting this, you are supporting regulating the rights of the People in the constitution. Specifically, you are removing the right to voice free expression.
Our country was founded on the idea that we may speak and express ourselves freely regardless if the general public agrees with us or not.
But, I am not writing you to attempt to convey my views of how I perceive the constitution is supposed to work.
I am writing because I am disappointed that issues like this still come up in Congress when there are so many issues that will be overshadowed or in general ignored that actually would help the people of this nation.
I consider myself an active voter. I research the candidates and issues on my ballot. However, I have found myself often ignoring issues outside my district.
I can’t do that anymore after seeing this issue.
I am writing because I am curious not only why you voted in support of this issue, but more importantly if you really support this style of legislation that really accomplishes nothing in support of the things we really need our government to fix.
Sincerely,
-Andrei Freeman
Snohomish, WA
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It would be amazing if one actually replied honestly and said they supported the legislation because it is an election year and this is the kind of wedge issue that sways enough votes so that they don’t have to stand on how they voted on actual substantial issues.
But I’m guessing you won’t see that response.
One of the hazards of the House of Representatives, every two years, they have to do the very least they possibly can to keep their jobs.
I don’t think they pay attention to voters outside of their districts.
Wait, I thought the rep for dist 2, who you seem to not want to name, voted “nay” on this resolution. You may want to check this first. Here is the tally:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll296.xml
There is a CT rep with the same name but a slightly different spelling that voted “yea” on this resolution.
My two cents: You may want to revise your letter before you send it.
Right
My representative is in dist #2. I am writing to one of the other Washington Congressfolk of the state (whose district I am not in) that did not.
Re: Right
Oh gotcha, that makes sense. The rep for my district voted against it too.
Well I think it would be fruitless to email the rep for another district, even if you have a really good point.
It is just a shame how amending the constitution to prevent people from burning a piece of cloth and to prevent gay folks from getting married are the important issues of the day for congress.
I think the (excellent and obvious) point that the Constitutions purpose is to limit governmental power will be lost on the average rep. Power is an intoxicant, and when one combines that with rationalization (this is all for “our own good” after all) it’s pretty much unstoppable.
Still, I commend your resolve to take action, even if you do end up feeling as if you’re screaming at a brick wall.
“Giving money and power to Congress is like giving whiskey and car keys to young boys.” – P.J. O’Rourke
I don’t know whether to LOL or shake my head sadly.
Election is coming up soon, eh? It’s amazing the power symbols have, and the power of nationalism for that matter. Good luck.. Hopefully they have the integrity to at least read it, even if it’s from another district.