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MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 12:45 PM Sep 2018

Although it is easy to spoof an address to contact a legislator,

Here's why it's a bad idea, along with a suggestion:

1. If enough people do it, and that is recognized by the legislator, it makes it all the more difficult for legitimate constituents to tell that legislator how they feel. That dilutes the impact of actual constituent contacts.

2. It's a lie to do that.

Suggestion: Contact your own legislators instead, and often. Let others contact their own legislators.

Thanks.

21 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Although it is easy to spoof an address to contact a legislator, (Original Post) MineralMan Sep 2018 OP
I totally agree. LiberalFighter Sep 2018 #1
They usually only want your address BigmanPigman Sep 2018 #2
I bet you can also MichMary Sep 2018 #3
No, you are comparing apples and oranges... BigmanPigman Sep 2018 #7
It's about MichMary Sep 2018 #8
Here's a suggestion for you: You apparently live in San Diego. MineralMan Sep 2018 #16
No. Just no. cwydro Sep 2018 #5
If you tell me you don't care if you lie, then why should MineralMan Sep 2018 #10
+1 n/t MichMary Sep 2018 #13
"...I DO NOT CARE if it is a lie." WillowTree Sep 2018 #17
I completely agree. cwydro Sep 2018 #4
Well, apparently some do. MineralMan Sep 2018 #6
Agreed grantcart Sep 2018 #11
I've worked hard to build relationships with my legislators, MineralMan Sep 2018 #14
Anyone who MichMary Sep 2018 #9
See my #10. MineralMan Sep 2018 #12
+ 1000 cwydro Sep 2018 #15
I leave after hours voicemails with Congress critters from other states. Garrett78 Sep 2018 #18
And some aide uses the Delete All command to MineralMan Sep 2018 #19
Maybe, maybe not. Garrett78 Sep 2018 #20
Several have different voice mails for in-state and non-state residents. sinkingfeeling Sep 2018 #21

BigmanPigman

(51,611 posts)
2. They usually only want your address
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 12:55 PM
Sep 2018

if you request them to respond to you in the future. Also, a staffer the other day asked for my address and I gave her one from her state. She told me she only needed the zip code to keep track of which parts of the state are calling about which issues. A relative of mine worked for my Dem rep in his DC office answering phones. They do take down your info if you want them to, for contact/ reply purposes. They also do keep track of what issue you are calling about and your opinion is used. When I call only about 10% even ask for a full address.

I am calling...I DO NOT CARE if it is a lie. I am playing the GOP game now, the gloves are off. I am not bringing a butter knife to a gun fight. Desperate times call for desperate measures. This is our fight for the future of our country and I will do anything I can to save it. I won't even be alive in a few years and I don't have kids so I am doing this for my country! I am a patriot. RESISTANCE WORKS!

BigmanPigman

(51,611 posts)
7. No, you are comparing apples and oranges...
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:04 PM
Sep 2018

false equivalencies. Besides, you need a lot more than that to register to vote.

MichMary

(1,714 posts)
8. It's about
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:12 PM
Sep 2018

integrity--which you either have, or you don't. I don't lie, and I don't trust people that I know do lie.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
16. Here's a suggestion for you: You apparently live in San Diego.
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:34 PM
Sep 2018

This man needs your support in a crucial House race: Ammar Campa-Najjar

He's running against Duncan Hunter, who has been indicted on federal crimes. Still, that may not be enough to keep him from winning in November. Look up the website for the candidate I mentioned and contact his campaign to see how you can help. That's something you can do locally that will have far more impact than any spoofed phone calls to legislators outside of your area. Want to make a difference? Want to be a patriot? Well, that's how you do it. Get someone elected who will be on your side.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
10. If you tell me you don't care if you lie, then why should
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:18 PM
Sep 2018

I believe you about anything? If you're "playing the GOP game," how is that different from being a Republican?

Patriotism is about integrity and loyalty.

WillowTree

(5,325 posts)
17. "...I DO NOT CARE if it is a lie."
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:37 PM
Sep 2018

I am often amazed.......and disturbed.......by things some DUers are proud to admit. So interesting that people are so anxious to emulate that which they hate.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
6. Well, apparently some do.
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:03 PM
Sep 2018

Personally, I'm not a big fan of lying. That's what Republicans do, and I want no part of it.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
14. I've worked hard to build relationships with my legislators,
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:26 PM
Sep 2018

both state and federal. I've helped them with their campaigns, and communicate with them regularly. They know who I am, and I believe that gives my opinion a little bit more weight.

Legislators from other areas don't know me, so they would simply disregard anything I said to them, anyhow. Rather than use a shotgun approach to spread my opinion, I prefer a more carefully and deliberately targeted strategy. It takes time, but I think it works better.

MichMary

(1,714 posts)
9. Anyone who
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:18 PM
Sep 2018

complains about tRump's lies, and then brags about his/her own lies on line while actively encouraging others to lie is kind of a hypocrite, don't you think?

Garrett78

(10,721 posts)
18. I leave after hours voicemails with Congress critters from other states.
Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:40 PM
Sep 2018

I left voicemails for Collins and Murkowski a couple nights ago.

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