A Measured Response!

I got a personal e-mail from a reader yesterday with an attached letter he sent to his congressman. It seems his representative thought it would be a good idea to brag to his mailing list about the passage of the financial reform bill. Well that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Mark sent him a very well worded, respectful letter asking his congressman if he had indeed read the 2300 page bill, and then pointed out a few of it's flaws. Knowing Mark's personality, I understand what a leap this was, the response he sent to Washington took him way outside his comfort zone. He'd finally had enough, he understood what you're willing to accept, you'll never change! As the movie says, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

First, I have to congratulate Mark for using a very measured response. The temptation here is to really give those politicians a piece of your mind. It's important to be respectful, but firm. If you lose your temper, your issue will be dismissed as a rant. You must get your point across in a clear and concise manner, backed with fact, never use hearsay. Lose the threats and any other language that might be taken as irrational. It dilutes your point and gets you labeled as a loon. I totally understand how easy it would be to unload, but we want to get our points across!

They may never get the point, but sending them to collect unemployment might leave a clue! We've had examples of how the left discredits opposing opinions by depicting signs with Hitler or Communist images as racist. Those people mean well, they are angry and expressing their opinions, but they diminish the strength of the movement. Our goal is to grow in numbers, educate, and motivate people to vote. We can do that without depicting the president as Hitler.

As leaders we bear a responsibility to move people in a positive direction. Our influence is being scrutinized and criticized, so we must unarm the opposition. We'll expose and discredit the lies of the liberals, so it's important to remain above reproach in everything we do. We cannot bring the discussion down to their level, that's exactly the plan they have. When your wrestling a pig in his mud, pretty soon you start to realize he's enjoying it.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill