I have an idea that seems like it might fit with the theme of this site. I live in New York's 13th Congressional District. I have a safe Congressman and two safe Senators. I'd like to write letters to the editor to help Republicans/attack Democrats in competitive races, but there aren't any here.
My idea is the creation of a mechanism, perhaps a database searchable by Congressional district, that would enable people who wish to write letters to the editor about competitive races connect with those who want to sign them but do not feel comfortable writing them. For example, if I were interested in the Minnesota Senate race, I could find someone in Minnesota who would sign but not write a letter. We could collaborate on the topic and content of the letter. I could then write it and send it to him. He would sign it and submit it to the newspaper of his choice.
Anyway, I thought I'd throw that out there and see what you guys thought. Is it valuable? Feasible?
Comments
Problem with letters to the editor
is that many times they get edited to the point your original intent is lost. I do agree that the writtn word is a powerful too, however with today's media, it would be hard to get anything worth while out. It would be nice if pamphlets could be distributed, similar to Common Sense, and others at the beginning of the country. I believe that this could work, the main problem would be distribution, and some municipalities require permits for such. However, sympathetic shopowners, , public bulletin boards, etc might be an option.
Organizing speeches for public consumption is another forum, however, if it is done in a public forum one must be well informed about which he speaks, and able to argue challenges from fact, not emotion.
The Dems thrive on personalized fear. they rely on emotions to carry the day for them. I have seldom heard a Dem make their case for something relying mainly on facts. You will also note their negativity and their reliance on the elimination of the individual in favor of the corporate or collective.
Sometimes we conservatives rely too heavily on fact without injecting some humor and emotion. We are, on the whole, positive in our outlook. It is up to us to convince others to accept their fears, but to forge forward despite them, as we believe that individuals, with individual strengths working toward a common set of goals whill help this country remain great, and expand that greatness. it is as individuals we will overcome the challenges of the future, not as a mass dependent on a government bureacracy
RE: Problem
Yes, sometimes newspapers edit letters.
However, a well-written, brief letter almost never gets cut. I'm a former reporter and editorial page editor, and I speak from experience. Additionally, I've run a few letter-writing campaigns after switching to campaign consulting.
I think we will try to launch the letter writing swap AND provide tips or writing points to help these letters get into newspapers.