By Katie Kieffer
Image credit: “7-11″ by Adam Kuban via Creative Commons on Flickr.
Yesterday, President Obama said that he ‘might hold a “Slurpee Summit” with the new Republican leadership,’ according to USA Today. Slurpee‘s owner, 7-Eleven, has already offered to cater the Summit with red, blue and purple frozen drinks. I don’t know whether the President will follow through on his idea, but I would like to host my own Slurpee Summit with American voters. Let’s kick back with refreshing Slurpees and talk about what this election means for us.
If you voted in this election, congratulations. You had a say in who your elected officials are. Furthermore – whether or not you voted, if you are an American citizen – you currently possess an unprecedented level of influence over your elected officials.
Image credit: “Barack Obama” by mirsasha via Creative Commons on Flickr.
Why? Because politicians know that you are watching them. They know that you are not just going to stand by the sidelines as they sign unconstitutional health care reform bills that change the culture and foundation of your country. Now, more than ever, politicians will be open to hearing from you. Take advantage of this opportunity, and use these pointers to make your voice heard:
Keep in touch with social networking tools
Utilize social networking tools such as Facebook® and Twitter™ to contact your elected officials throughout the year. Many elected officials are successfully utilizing these tools. I’ve heard that some politicians will respond to constituents almost immediately via Facebook or Twitter if they receive messages or questions during congressional committee meetings.
Think of politicians as your employees. If you want them to do something, you need to tell them. Likewise, if you are happy with their performance, you should praise them.
Keep your elected officials accountable
If your congressman or congresswoman starts voting for financially irresponsible bills, immediately contact him or her. On the other hand, if he or she is standing strong and making headway on fixing the economy and restoring freedom in America, be sure to show your support. They will be under continual pressure to cave to progressive activists, so they will need to know that their constituents support their courage and steadfastness.
Befriend the media
If you try to contact your elected officials and only receive automatic responses or form letters, you need to take your concerns to the next level. Never hesitate to contact media professionals like bloggers, journalists and reporters if your elected officials are blowing you off, abusing their power or voting against the Constitution.
Hold the media accountable
If you are informed on a particular issue and you notice that the media is distorting the facts surrounding that issue, take it upon yourself to hold the media accountable. If the media distorts the facts on an issue, this can sway the average American who does not have the time to research every news story with a fine tooth comb. Consider sending letters to the editor of magazines and newspapers that your subscribe to.
Now, join me in raising your Slurpees in the air and let’s toast to our involvement in America’s future.
Image credit: “Mmmmm………” by Mike Chen aka Memtalman via Creative Commons on Flickr.
LOVE IT!!! Great advice, especially to remember to praise “our employees”.
They will need to have that to stand up to all the pressure they will be under.
Enjoyed the Tea Party costume cartoon of Amie’s, too.