I've been thinking about our conversation last week about what each individual must do to fulfill his or her moral obligation to save the planet. While I agree that one person can't slow the effects of climate change completely on their own, I do think that there is a lot one person can do to make a difference. Much of this comes from voting for politicians who are in favor of environment-friendly legislation. But, our influence on the government goes beyond simply voting.
Our congressional leaders are supposed to represent us, their constituents. But too often, senators and representatives seem to have other interests in mind as they vote for or against certain bills. This isn't okay. So, we have to hold them accountable. One way to do this is by calling and emailing our leaders in favor of specific legislation or issues we want them to support. I know this may sound like wishful thinking, but it really does work. Every week, congressional staffers tally up the number of calls/emails they receive per issue/bill. This tallied up sheet is shown to the congressional leader in order to see what their constituents care about. The purpose of this is to help guide how the leader will vote in the future. Since so few people actually call their leaders every week, you have a real shot at shifting those tallies around in your favor. Fortunately, it's really easy to do. It takes less than 30 seconds to call and all you have to say is that you are a constituent in (your city) and you want Sen. Alexander (for example) to support (insert legislation aimed at fighting climate change). That's it.
You can also set up a meeting with a congressional leader or one of their staffers. I did this not too long ago about a separate issue (we had to do it over the phone instead of in-person due to COVID-19). It is really empowering as a citizen to have 10-15 minutes to make a case for something you believe in. Setting up a meeting shows that you really care about the issue you're asking them to support. Doing so also gives you the opportunity to tailor your argument to the person you are speaking with. It can help to demonstrate how a bill may positively impact Tennessee, or provide a list of local businesses that are in favor of protecting the environment too.
You can browse current legislation here to see what your leaders are sponsoring/cosponsoring already.
It can definitely feel like the system we have is completely broken, but I think that it is important to not give up just yet. Doing all of this may seem like harassment, but listening to and meeting with constituents is a major part of our congressional leaders' jobs. Let's not allow them to forget it.
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Weekly Summary:
Sep 7: Wrote This Blog!
Sep 9: Comment on " Is nature sacred?"
Sep 10: Comment on "An Economic Solution to Hand-wringing and Disingenuous Politicians"
Grand Total: 15 points
Thank you Heather for reminding me that there is value in contacting our legislators, even if we don’t believe our voices are heard. I am quite cynical about the receptiveness of my representatives in Congress to my ideas. The very idea that Scott DesJarlais or Marsha Blackburn could give a tinker’s damn about what I thought on something is laughable to me. Even if they had 10,000 comments like mine. It is a noble thought that our congressional leaders are supposed to represent us, their constituents, but it is a sad fact that my particular legislators don’t. They respond to those with money and with political views consistent with their own that keep them in positions of power. Unfortunately, I think the only comments they would listen to are those that benefit them, not their constituents. I admire your lack of cynicism.
ReplyDeleteI have the same reps and I agree Ed, it is very frustrating. But I refuse to give up! I don't want to make it easy on them if I can help it. Fortunately, we have an opportunity this year to elect a new senator, and hopefully it will be someone who is open to ideas like ours.
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