Communicating with Congress: Americans who care about their country should apply informed pressure on their congressmen. These tips will help make the communications more effective.(Congress)

Through Congress, Americans have been given all the tools necessary to roll back the gains the enemies of liberty have made over the years. Congress is responsive to the will of the people.

However, without a grass-roots movement among the citizens demanding that elected representatives and senators responsibly exercise their powers, Congress is unlikely to take the right stand. It is essential, therefore, that as many citizens as possible educate themselves regarding the important issues facing the nation and then engage in effective communication with their elected officials.

Personal Meeting

The best way for a constituent to influence a congressman is to meet personally with the legislator in his office, either in Washington, D.C., or in his home district. If such a meeting is not possible, the next best method is to attend one of the congressman's "town meetings."

To be most effective at a town meeting, politely ask your question in front of the other attendees. This often leads the congressman to ask his staff afterwards to brief him on the issue. In contrast, as one congressional aide told THE NEW AMERICAN, "making a scene" will be counterproductive and cause the congressman to be sure he opposes your view.

Personal Letter

The next most effective way to communicate with your congressman is to write a personal letter. Congressmen and their staff understand that it takes time to compose a thoughtful letter. Consequently, personal correspondence of this type exerts the greatest degree of influence with legislators. For best results your letter should be typewritten, brief and confined to one topic. The tone of your letter should be polite, firm and professional. Write as if addressing a business associate. For example: