Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 2 - VOTE

"So many have given and risked their lives to protect our country's liberty and freedom.  Let us not allow that to be in vain because of lack of action." -Chris Campbell

"Every voter ought not merely to vote, but to vote under the inspiration of a high purpose to serve a nation." -Calvin Coolidge


Tuesday, November 2, Election Day,  is the opportunity for all  citizens to participate in determining the course of this nation.  Use this right and VOTE.....

Letter To National Write Your Congressman

"National Write Your Congressman is an organization that has helped my office immensely over the years.  I rely heavily on input from my constituents on the issues before Congress.  The hundreds of calls, faxes, emails, and stop-ins I receive help me understand how people feel about issues ranging from tax relief to the war on terror.  I take these contacts very seriously because this dialogue is an essential part of our democracy.

By providing the tools people need to communicate on a wide range of issues, your organization helps facilitate this process.  The background information you provide to your members is ideal for citizens looking for information that cuts through the rhetroic of politics and the media.  The sample ballots of opinion forms you provide for your members are an easy way to communicate with elected officials and an efficient way for us to respond.

National Write Your Congressman is a vital public service and one that greatly improves the input elected officials receive." -Congressman Joseph R. Pitts, 16th District, Pennsylvania

Voices In Democracy

"I am proud to support the efforts of National Write Your Congressman and the enthusiasm and interest of countless citizens who contact their elected officials to provide their voices in democracy.  I believe an active, involved citizenry makes our democracy strong.

As residents of the District of Columbia, you are taxpaying Americans who do not have full voting representation in the U.S. Congress.  I encourage D.C. Citizens to write their public officials to express their opinions and voice their concerns so that I may become your voice in Congress." -Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia

Cuban Missile Crisis - This Day In History

Oct. 22, 1962 - In a televised speech of extraordinary gravity, President John F. Kennedy announces that U.S. spy planes have discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba.  These missile sites, under construction  but nearing completion, housed medium range missles capable of striking a number of major cities in the United States, including Washington, D.C.  Kennedy announced that he was ordering a naval "quarantine" of Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from transporting any more offensive weapons to the island and explained that the United States would not tolerate the existence of the missile sites currently in place.  The president made it clear that America would not stop short of military action to end what he called "clandestine, reckless, and provocative threat to world peace."

Constituent Liberty

"Every day of the year, thousands of individuals and businesses practice their freedom and liberty by communicating their views and concerns to public officials.  It is a cherished right, and one that should be celebrated and applauded, and through the efforts of National Write Your Congressman, it is being expanded." -Congressman Mike McIntyre, 7th District, North Carolina

Democratic Systems

"Thank you for contacting me about the importance of public involvement in policymaking.  As you know, our democracy thrives when citizens take an active role in the issues that affect our country.  National Write Your Congressman fosters communications between constituents and their elected representatives in Congress, providing a vital link that is essential for the health of our democratic systems.

Thank you for all of your important efforts to encourage civic activism." -Congressman Edward J. Markey, 7th District, Massachusetts

On This Day In History - Oct. 18, 1867

On October 18, 1867, the U.S. formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, or less that two cents an acre.  The Alaska purchase comprised 586,412 square miles, about twice the size of Texas, and was championed by William Henry Seward, the enthusiastic expansionist secretary of state under President Andrew Johnson.

Alaska became the 49th state on January 2, 1959.

Power From The Consent Of The Governed

"More than 200 years ago, our country's founders brilliantly established a representative system whereby the government receives its power from the consent of the governed.

Constituent communication is a crucial tool that allows myself and other elected officials to better represent those who elected us to office.  Without it, the voice of the people is in danger of going unheard.

Thank you for the good work you do at National Write Your Congressman to encourage Americans to take an active role in our cherished representative democracy." -Congressman Mike Pence, 6th District, Indiana

The Right To Petition Our Government

"There is nothing more important to an elected official than direct communication with the people he or she represents.  This is the basic concept behind a successful representative democracy and enshrined in the First Amendment - the right to petition our government.  National Write Your Congressman is to be commended for their part in keeping this important democratic tradition alive."

The issues presented by National Write Your Congressman are clearly stated, concise, and balanced, allowing the individual to make an informed decision and make their position known to their representative." -Congressman John L. Mica, 7th District, Florida

On This Day In History - Oct. 13, 1775

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized construction and administration of the first American naval force - the precursor to the United States Navy.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Navy successfully preyed on British merchant shipping and won several victories over British warships.  This first naval force was disbanded after the war.  What is now known as the United States Navy was formally established with the creation of the federal Department of the Navy in April 1798.

Constituent Letters - An Invaluable Help

"I believe that constituent letters and phone calls are among the best and most important sources of information for me.  However, I must weigh all information that I acquire in Congressional hearings, agency briefings and any additional sources.  I do my best to represent our State, and you can help me do that better.  A well considered letter citing personal experience is often invaluable in helping me decide what is best for our citizens.  Nothing is more effective at bringing home a point." -Senator Max Baucus, Montana

Constituent Opinion - Write Your Congressman

"Speaking for myself, constituent opinions are a curcial component to my decision-making process as a Member of Congress.  I was elected to represent my constituents and their interests in Washington.  The only way I can do that effectively is if I hear directly from my constituents on what is important to them and why.

I receive these opinions in a variety of ways.  Often times, constituents will place calls, write letters, or send e-mails to my office after reading an article in the newspaper or hearing something about a proposal.  My staff records each of these opinions which I later read.  In addition, many people approach me at events in my district to chat with me about what they are thinking on a particular issue.  Both modes of communication are important.

I thank you and your organization for communicating the importance of constituent opinions.  Please let me know if I can help in this effort in any way." -Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, 1st District, Rhode Island

Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, specifically the Bahamas, occured on October 12, 1492.  Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and became a federal holiday in 1934.  However, people have celebrated Columbus' voyage since the colonial period.  In 1792, New York City and other U.S. cities celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World.  In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400 anniversary of the event.  During the four hundredth anniversary, in 1892, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism.  These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress.

Columbus Day is celebrated nationally the second Monday in October.

NWYC's Contribution To Democracy

"We in Congress are elected by our constituents to represent their views in the legislative process.  My role here in Washington D.C. is to represent the people of the 18th district of Texas.  I take my responsibility to my constituents very seriously.  For me to accomplish this goal I must know their opinions, thoughts and concerns on all the legislative issues.

The National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) program facilitates communication between my office and my constituents:  a communication that is fundamental to the well being of our government, our society, and our country.  I would like to thank the NWYC for its outstanding contribution to our democracy, and I applaud your efforts.  Thank you." -Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District, Texas

To Vote The Views Of Your Constituents - Or Not

"You have asked me to express my views with respect to the importance and effectiveness of writing to your member of Congress.  I consider it very important.  It is also effective in that it is one of the many ways a member stays in touch with his constituents and is informed of their views on the issues.

Inherit in your question is also the classic question:  should a member of Congress vote his true beliefs or merely reflect the views of his constituents?  As with most things, the answer is neither simply one of the other.  It is both/and.

On most things a member usually reflects both or they would not have been elected in the first place.  And if a member doesn't mostly reflect both, he or she will not be long in office.  But if a member feels strongly about an issue, they may vote their real views and simply 'take the heat' from their constituents.  This cannot happen too often, however, and remain in office.  In the end, the people do have the final say." -Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., 2nd District, Illinois

Responsive Citizenry

"Thomas Jefferson once said, 'Determine never to be idle.  It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.'  When he and his fellow founding fathers built this Nation, they imagined an active, not passive citizenry, and a government responsive to their needs, where the wishes and desires of every citizen would be taken into account.

To realize this dream of a government reactive to the will of the people, we must have a dynamic and responsive citizenry.

The National Write Your Congressman campaign aspires to achieve this goal, and aims to give every American the opportunity to have his or her opinion reach those who need to hear it." -Congressman Mark Steven Kirk, 10th District, Illinois

Letter To National Write Your Congressman

"I am writing to thank you for the important service National Write Your Congressman provides.  The opportunity to hear from constituents is always welcomed by my office, and I am grateful that NWYC has streamlined the process so that everyone's voice may be heard." -Congressman Bob Filner, 51st District, California

House of Representatives - "The Peoples' Body"

"When the Founding Fathers created the House of Representatives, they envisioned it as being the 'people's body.'  It was to be the chamber in the Congress where citizens could most directly influence the direction of their government.

James Madison once said, "public opinion sets bounds to every government and is the real sovereign in every free one."  Keeping that in mind, I will continue to keep close ear to my constituents' concerns." -Congressman Trent Franks, 2nd District, Arizona