 April
14, 2005The Power of the Word By Alma Norman Ottawa Raging Grannies Is Writing to the Government a Waste of time? Definitely NOT. In fact, I've come to think that writing to politicians is the only effective way to go. They want to keep their jobs - get re-elected - and they DO read the letters. Never mind that the only response you usually get is some meaningless form letter which doesn't answer your questions. The important thing is that the politician knows that those questions are being asked and that they must in some way be answered, politically. It's also important that the letter be courteous and factual; do your homework before writing so you're not caught out in mistakes which can diminish its impact. One foolish statement can lead to the reader dismissing all your other important points. This is also true, of course in writing to the Press. I've come to the conclusion that writing to politicians directly is the only useful tactic, because my frequent letters to the Press - whether the Globe and Mail or the Citizen are usually ignored. I suspect it's because they know that letters signed by Alma Norman present views they don't want to publicize. To politicians, however, I'm not just one voter, but someone who speaks for many. So if you have strong views about anything: Security Certificates (that assault on democracy), Kyoto, Foreign Aid, Integration with the US - or other deeply felt concerns - write the Prime Minister, your MP, and the relevant Minister. You can find their addresses here. Just look for the MP's name. If you don't know your MP's name, use the EDIT/"Find on this Page..." feature of your browser and type in your city, town, territory or riding. Remember that the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers are also MP's so their names and emails are also listed. I also copy my letter to leaders of Opposition parties. However, it's important that people whose views are not so well known, and therefore cannot be so easily rejected, do also send Letters to the Editor; it shows that unpopular views are widely held, and not just quirks of a few shit disturbers. Never underestimate the power of the word. Grannie Alma's Rage! Page |
Ottawa
Raging Grannies