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David and All: We now have first, second and third hand information on lobbying techniques; and the concomitant positive, negative or no results. We have written letters of absolute eloquency (see Bob Martone's letter as an example), sent postcards with a handwritten messages, telephoned, faxed, e-mailed and personally visited offices of the legislators. We have been treated with some interest, no interest, courtesy, and deplorable lack of courtesy (see Ivan Suzman's post about the offensive treatment from Bilirakis' office). What works best? WHAT EVER IS YOUR BEST EFFORT!! We have been told that the order of effectiveness is: 1) lobbying your own State's Senator/Representative by: a) personal meeting, b) hand written letter/card, c) telephone call, d) fax, and e) e-mail. 2) lobbying "unrelated" officials by the same methods. So, David your comment about all of us getting off our "duffs" is RIGHT ON! Let's use this month of August with a renewed burst of energy. There are resources available in terms of sample letters, lists of congress people, lists of co-sponsors to keep interested, lists of those who are still not co-sponsors.. Please make a commitment to do something every day, there is no limit to the number of times contact can be made. Margaret Tuchman [log in to unmask] > I too have been concerned at the impact of postcards with "just" labels >and the preprinted address. Any other comments or experience, insight >that would guide us? >I think these are important and, realistically, a better bet in terms of >getting us all off our duffs. On the other hand, if I send a few >handwritten letters as an alternative or in addition . . . >Please advise with your perspectives and insights. >Thank you. >David