Is there any interest in a "letters to the editor" writers' forum?

[Clarkie1]

There doesn't seem to be any DU group dedicated to this purpose that I could find.

The new forum would be a gathering place for letter-writing ideas, research on selected topics, and help with composition of effective letters. I would like to know if there is interest in such a forum.

I live in the 11th congressional district of California, and my first letter to the editor (in fact, the first one I ever sent) was published today! My congressperson is Richard Pombo, and this district was identified as one of the "Dean Dozen" in 04'. It is the district with the best chance of defeating a Republican incumbent in 08'!

Text of letter:

Congressman Richard Pombo joined the Republican leadership in the House to reward credit card and auto loan companies at the expense of hard-working Americans, veterans, active U.S. military personnel and those faced with catastrophic medical expenses.

Pombo and the Republican leadership in the House did not even allow a vote on common-sense amendments sponsored by Democrats to exempt from the new bankruptcy requirements military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and people whose indebtedness is the result of financial identity theft.

It's not only unpatriotic, it's just plain unfair to those who through no fault of their own find themselves in debt.

Yet, Pombo and the Republican leadership say the "Democratic Party is the party of no ideas."

The Democrats have plenty of common-sense ideas, but it is Pombo and the Republicans who are unwilling to even allow their ideas to be heard.

Is that the kind of "democracy" we are fighting for?

[dxdem]

1. I think it's a great idea.

:-)

[Frances]

2. Me too

I belong to a group of about 5 people and we want to write letters. This forum would be a big help to us.

By the way, congrats on getting your letter published.

[CrispyQ]

4. Yes, congrats! It's a thrill, isn't it?

I read the local newspaper & notice the names of people who contribute regularly to the LTTE page.

[CrispyQ]

3. I would love a LTTE forum!

I collected many writings of fellow DUers to read & digest the full meaning of. Eventually I composed my first LTTE in a local (albiet liberal) paper, & it was published!

I think now I would submit my LTTE more widely. I live in a progressive pocket of a red state. Now, I whould submit my LTTE to all Colorado newspapers, maybe even regional news publications - greater Rocky Mountain states.

I will follow this thread to see if such a forum is added. Count me in!

[EFerrari]

5. I'm in. This is what I knew works for PSTimers

If you're writing local, get your response in before 10am.

If you're writing back East, ditto. Just takes a little more commitment :) But, that's okay because, for example, the NYTs posts to their website late the night before.

I was being published in the Chron about every 4-6 weeks. Even got into the NYTs 2X last year. So, if I can do this, I want to.

Great idea.

:thumbsup:

Beth

[kliljedahl]

6. Count me in

I need something to kick my ass & help put my thoughts on paper.
its a great idea.


Keith’s Barbeque Central

[pennylane100]

7. A great idea.

I always think about writing to the editor but rarely do so. A letter writing forum is a great way to motivate people like me.

[Mich Otter]

8. This idea could help many to write effective letters.

It is a great idea. It would be great if people have the opportunity to see what others write.
I sent the following letter to a local paper yesterday;

It's no wonder the popularity ratings of President Bush and this
Republican controlled Congress are getting worse almost every day. The Iraq war is costing us lives, money, and a bad view in how the rest of the world believes in us. The economy is on shaky ground with unemployment high, oil prices rising, record trade deficits, and the stock market dropping. Most Americans don't want the government sticking its nose in our private affairs the way these radicals in the Republican Party show themselves determined to do. The Americans who want the government sticking its nose in our private lives should be ashamed.
Now the Republicans want to nominate anyone they choose for the
Courts, regardless of how extreme their views are. These radicals can't seem to get enough control of our lives. Give us a break.

[eridani]

9. This is a very good idea

Count me in. I belong to a local group which is helpful. Sharing ideas and turns of phrase is highly motivating.

[usregimechange]

10. I am in, I write a lot of them!

[BlackVelvetElvis]

11. Thanks to you!

Because of you Clarkie1, I wrote a LTTE; a scathing "hypocritical/shame" letter directed at my senators.
The newspaper called me today to confirm that I was a real person and I hope they print it (the "Murray admendment", remember?)
I think this forum is a marvelous idea. If I had info on many of these issues that were easy to access in a single place, more LTTE would get written.

[Clarkie1]

13. Good job! Thank you! n/t

[calimary]

12. It's a SUPERB idea. Lots of inspiration and eloquence here on DU

not to mention resources, well-researched documentation and comments/perspectives that are HUGELY valuable in formulating intelligent, informed opinions.

FABULOUS resources here that should be tapped and put to use. I think it'd be a tremendous help to people. LTTEs are incredibly important in helping to influence public (and editorial board/media) opinion.

[FrenchieCat]

14. You can count on me....

as it is my forte!

[Clarkie1]

26. Yes, I've noticed!

:hi:

[tavalon]

15. If it is created

I will come.

Great idea!

[Califooyah Operative]

16. Yes. nt

[Paradise]

17. Surely could use the help it would provide... n/t

[bunkerbuster1]

18. A pail of cold water

I love the idea of organizing LTE efforts, but just so you're aware--there are going to be many in here who won't want to contribute because they wish to remain anonymous at DU.

If you've published a (an?) LTE and paste the text here at DU, even if you don't mention your real name, it will be fairly easy for interested parties to link the letter-writer to the DU persona.

Just sayin'. If you can think of a work-around, then the LTE forum would be much more of a hit, methinks.

[merbex]

19. This is a great idea

As Dean says - in order to win you have to show up. In some areas,a LTE will be our sides first instance of "showing up"

It may galvanize others in that area to mobilize and reactivate a dormant Democratic Party.

A long journey begins with a first step

Count me in

[raccoon]

20. I'd be interested nt

[Sparkly]

21. Great idea

And congrats on getting your letter published! :hi:

[demjuli]

22. Count me in! I need some prodding

and a forum where people could share ideas sounds like just the ticket. Thanks for suggesting this.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

23. good idea, I'll be there - thanks (eom)

[Catchawave]

24. Count me in.....as long as there's no Astroturf involved...

That is, no form letters please, and concentration on short, polite, non-partisan effort. AND, the emphasis should be on including the writer's full (real) name, address and home phone number, whether you're writing a letter to the President, New York Times or your local city council. Otherwise, they just don't count!

For instance, when Barbara Boxer asked us to write our Senators about Bolton concerns, my letter was simply "tired of dealing with playground bullies in the international arena"

I really don't think public editors and congresspeople have time to read diatribes and rants.

Great idea, and now is the time to start such an action group!

[Clarkie1]

28. I think the appearance of being non-partisan is important.

You are correct that rants aren't going into influence a LTTE reader, and I suspect far less likely to be published. All rants do is fire up one side or the other.

An effective LTTE should address specific issues.

For example, I plan to write my next LTTE regarding the Energy Bill passed in the House. Since my purpose of writing is to influence the election in 06' by kicking out the local Republican, I have to go about my writing in a way that doesn't just sound like a partisan attack.

My representative, Pombo, is chair of the House natural resources committee. Now, I could compose my letter all about the Wildlife Refuge question, but focusing only on that would only present most people with arguments on both sides they have heard before.

Now, with a little research last evening I was able to discover that Pombo opposed an amendment to the energy bill authored by a fellow Republican! The amendment would have required auto manufacturers to increase fuel efficiency. Including this fact allows me to broaden my argument beyond the wildlife refuge. If Pombo is truly interested in lessening dependence on foreign oil, and even believes opening the Arctic Refuge will help, why did he not also vote for raising fuel efficiency standards? A bit of a double-standard, don't you think?

I plan to compose my letter over the next couple of days.

Here is a list of how representatives voted for the fuel-efficiency amendment authored by Bohelert (R-NY):

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll121.xml

[mistertrickster]

25. Oh, hell yes . . . keep me posted :)

I've got quite a bit on SS if anybody wants it.

[Just Me]

27. That would be a great resource. One word of advice,...

,...if the forum is created, PLEASE be sure to "tickle" GD and GD-P on letters of the day 'cause that would pull those of us glued to LBN, GD and GD-P out of our obsession with information/discussion and incite us to become part of your ACTION.

My advice may be more accurately characterized as a personal request. :7

[mcd1982]

29. yes!

I have written three LTTE in my politically active life (3.5 years or so) and all have been published! :-)

As another poster noted, you must refrain from name calling, partisanship, and be honest and, more often than not, you will be published.

I have tried to call out ppl. w/o looking like I'm calling them out!

Let's get the forum started!