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If members of congress are confused about why their public approval rating is down to only 33 percent, putting them dangerously close to the political nether world where Bush dwells, they might consider how out of touch they are with real people.
I’m not talking here about their $165,000 salaries, generous health care benefits, and golden pensions. Nor am I talking about them being out of touch on basic issues. No, I mean they are literally out of touch – as in, you can’t reach them!
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For example, a lady named Diana sent word to me that she had just tried to email Rep. John Boehner, who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her message bounced back with a curt notice that he only accepts emails from people living in his district.
Now, first of all, that’s a flat-out lie. Washington’s corporate lobbyists send emails to Boehner all the time – and I can assure you that these K-Street favor-seekers don’t have their messages rejected. Also, Boehner is a big-time fund raiser for the Republican congressional caucus, and wealthy contributors certainly don’t have to be based in his home district to have their emails warmly received.
But, secondly, Boehner is not just another congress critter representing the home folks. He’s the house minority leader, directing the entire congressional agenda for Republicans. He holds a national office, and his actions directly affect you, wherever you live. Okay, he’s a busy guy, and you’re not likely to get a private tête-à-tête with his lordship, much less play a round of golf with him (as lobbyists routinely do) – but, come on, he can’t take your emails?
As Diana puts it, “Every representative of the American public should be reachable by all of us.” To suggest that Boehner set an example for all congress members by accepting the emails of any American, call his office at 202-225-4000.
“Democratic Job Approval” www.people-press.org, August 2, 2007
“Our senators and representatives” email from Diana, September 13, 2007