On Mon, 9 Jan 1995, Allison Smith wrote:
 
> Was anyone else out there disgusted by the recent AAM mailing, calling for us
> to compose letters to our Congress people and reps, etc, regarding the NEA, wh
y
> they shouldn't cut funding etc. etc.  I think it would have been more effectiv
e
> if they would have sent out an already written form letter, outling specifics,
> issues, why the NEA should be supported, the good things the NEA funds, etc,
> etc.  This way people would be more likely to plug in the names of their reps
> and send the letters off, maybe even xerox extra copies to give to others they
> think would be supportive.  If they were really on the ball, they could have
> composed an email form letter to send to our reps. and others on the internet.
> The way things stand, and I hate to sound unmotivated, but if I have time, I
> will write and send off a letter.  However, how many other people will?
 
Sorry, Allison, I'm with the AAM on this one.  Folks in Congress (rather,
their staffs) pay more attention to personally written letters detailing
local consequences.  Form letters are recognized as a lower investment of
correspondents' time.  Staffers are already hearing the logical arguments
from people around the Hill -- now they need to hear what's going on in
their own district, and who at home is behind NEA (and NEH and IMS).  If
you're unmotivated, that's what the budget cutters are counting on --
Ciao, federal support.
 
Richard Perry
UCSD
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