Letter Writing

Posted by: Abel Collins

Despite my better judgment, I spend a lot of time thinking about politics and the economy; analyzing, criticizing, and basically trying to figure out what is going on in the world. From time to time, I get cynical and overwhelmed. At times like those, I take heart in the fact that I can take action do something about it. Letter writing is one action that I take particular pleasure in and that is sure to get a response. With email, it’s really easy to start a dialog with your political representation, and if you request the favor of a reply, they are required by law to respond.

Here’s a letter I wrote to my representatives today. I will post the responses I get to this letter in the comments section as they arrive. If you like it, you can even copy and paste it, and edit it to your liking. Google your legislator and go to the ‘contact ________’ button on their public site, then send it along. Otherwise, I encourage you to take the time to write your own letter and make our democracy a little more vibrant:


Dear _______________,

I was overjoyed today by the news that President Obama is going to take a hard line against the financial industry and follow the advice of Paul Volcker. It is my hope that you will do whatever you can to aid the President in his battle for real financial reform.

Not only must important aspects of Glass-Steagall be re-enacted so that the banks are not mixing commercial lending with speculative investment banking, but the banks must not be allowed to be so large that they pose a systemic risk. Please help craft legislation that diminishes the power and influence of major financial institutions, and I mean this to include holding the Federal Reserve accountable to its mandates. The economic system needs transparency in its financial sector to create a healthy and sustainable system. In other words, audit the fed.

Finally, I am greatly worried by the decision of the Supreme Court to allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns. I would like you to consider proposing a constitutional amendment(s) to enact corporate reform. This country cannot afford to have more power accumulate in the hands of corporate interests. It is time to reconsider whether corporations are the same as individuals and what rights they really deserve.

Thank you for your time and your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you on these issues.

Yours respectfully,

Abel Collins