Now I really don't feel like part of the political process. Yes, I'm venting. "Write your representative, express your opinion. Your thoughts count (...only if they are congruent with the politician's interests)! Let them be your voice." Uh huh, below I have what Senator Boxer's aides have emailed me in response to my efforts to communicate regarding an issue I am concerned about:
Dear Dr. Dds:
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.
If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.Barbara BoxerUnited States SenatorPlease do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at http://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm
Blah, blah, blah. For starters, they couldn't even mail merge my name onto the salutation correctly. Who's "Dear Dr. Dds"??? No mention whatsoever regarding the nature of my views or comments. To tell you the truth, with no reference like a bill designation, I don't have a clue either as to what issue I'd written to her about! How is she supposed to represent me if she doesn't even acknowledge what I was concerned about in the first place? Two-thirds of the brief boilerplate email is all about her....doesn't that just seem to be wrong? Serving in public office should not be all-about-you, it should be all about your constituency.
And she thinks she's in touch with the public?I'm trying to do my civic duty, how about she do her's and represent ME!
