It is common knowledge that the Federal Government, perhaps state and local as well, are out of balance insofar as representing all citizens. A corrupt election process – made even more corrupt by the Supreme Court’s decision that money is free speech (Citizens United vs. FEC), unduly influences elected officials. In effect, the elected representatives at all levels are beholding to their plutocratic backers more than ever before. How can this be fixed?

There are a number of ways. The Internet provides the voter direct access to the representative’s office. Each representative has a website on the Internet. Most are email contacts; some are present on the social networks as well (Face Book, Twitter, etc.). Send an email whenever the reader feels a need to advise their representative about legislation. Further, encourage your friends and acquaintances to do the same.

Petitions may be sent through the postal service or in an email attachment. Make the statement positive and assertive; negative attacks are not as effective.

By staying involved in your party, the reader will know when the representative will be speaking or visiting your area. Attend and ask questions.

If the reader is not satisfied with their representative, actively support someone who can replace him or her.

Run for office yourself. Every indication suggests you will do a better job. When you are elected, do not sleep with the natives.

These methods can be very effective at turning a representative’s position on an issue. Sadly, it does not always work when the reader’s representative is owned lock, stock and barrel by a lobbyist. The recent vote to block gun registration is a good example; ninety percent of US citizens were in favor of gun registration but were ignored by the US Senate. If the representative is that compromised, do not vote for that representative next time around.

FYI, the following Senators voted their lobby’s position instead of listening to their constituency:

An egregious act by representatives is to block voting by unwanted voters. Be aware of these tactics. Another egregious tactic is abusive gerrymandering of voting districts. These tactics must be fought as much as possible because they prevent every citizen from voting and they are tools that allow lobbyists to control elections.

Above all, do not let your emotions get out of control; you will be considered a nuisance and your position will not carry weight.

Ancient Mariner