Got this in the mail from Sojourners this morning (the group Jim Wallis is with). Come on, all it takes is a phone call:
Just weeks after Hurricane Katrina exposed the crisis of poverty in America, Congress will debate as early as Wednesday how much money should be cut from the budgets of health care, nutrition assistance, and other vital services for poor and working families. That’s right, they will cut funds - and the question is by how much. Perhaps equally astonishing, they will decide how much - up to $70 billion - they will cut taxes for the richest people in America. In Washington, this may be business as usual, but as people of faith, we believe that budgets are moral documents, and so far this budget is morally bankrupt.
We have a short amount of time to make a big difference, and we need your voice now!
1) Call Congress now. Tell them to get their priorities straight!
(800) 426-8073 (Toll-free courtesy of American Friends Service Committee)
Speak up for those who cannot speak. - Proverbs 31:8
Ask to speak to one of the senators from your state. When the senator’s phone is answered, say politely: “My name is _____, and I live in [your town/city]. As a person of faith, I would like Senator [name] to oppose budget cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other vital services, and to oppose more tax cuts for the very rich. Needs of poor families should be a moral priority at this time, not tax cuts for the wealthy.â€?
After you’re done, please call your other senator, followed by your representative.*
Well, all that might work if Congress gave a shit about public opinion. Something like 90% of all House districts have been gerrymandered to the point leaving office means you’ve quit or died, not lost an election. The Senate is only slightly more volatile. One person outside the office door with $100,000 in a bag will get a far more serious hearing (and results) than 100,000 e-mails or letters. One vote counts>>$$. You want Congress to address your needs you better write a check.