Today I made a series of phone calls, all with the same simple message: our representatives in Congress need to take action to end the occupation of Iraq. Compromise is impossible with an intransigent administration. The best path is simple and achievable: Congress must refuse to pass any funding bill which does not include real timetables for withdrawal.
Join me below the fold...
Here's what I did to spread this message.
First off, I called-- calling takes a bit longer and a bit more effort than e-mailing, and that's why it's more effective. Congresscritters and their staffs seem to respond better to phone calls. Pick up that phone tomorrow and call!
Second, I called my excellent Congresswoman, Betty McCollum (MN-04), then Sen. Amy Klobuchar (freshman D-MN). I even called Norm Coleman (Weasel-MN) and told him that if he wouldn't take action to stop the war, we'd find someone who will.
Next, I called Harry Reid (202-224-3542), since as Majority Leader he has a lot to do with which bills are considered and which aren't. His voicemail box was full when I called, so I waited on hold to talk to a staffer (this was the longest part of the whole exercise).
And don't forget Nancy Pelosi (202 225-4965), for the same reasons as Reid. I left a message on her voicemail (the staffer who answered sent me there immediately).
And last of all, I called my favorite Presidential candidate, Barack Obama (866 675-2008), and urged him to lead on this. If your favorite candidate is anyone other than Edwards or Dodd (and well done to both of them), give him or her a call.
All told, including the time I spent on hold, it took me about 15 minutes to do all of this. Since I'm including some of the phone numbers here, it might take you even less time.
This is one important step each of us can and should take. I plan to repeat as necessary as the situation develops...