Once upon a time I served as a legislative assistant for Congressman Tim Johnson of South Dakota. I lucked into the job; my name pulled from a towering pile of resumes that all congresspeople receive. I made the cut because he was one of the few offices using Apple based computer systems. For my fellow Star Wars nerds it was like when C3PO was saved from the Jawa's because he spoke the language of moister vaporators and Bocce. I knew my way around Mac's and had the ability to write complete intelligible sentences so they hired me. 

Congressman Johnson was a Democratic congressman from a very red state but he was no blue dog Democrat. He was incredibly bright, knew farm issues inside and out, and after 5 minutes with him you knew he really cared about the people he represented. (South Dakota was one of those states with such a small population that they have one congressman and two senators.) He was not a bomb thrower or rabble-rouser. He was there to work on behalf of his constituents and he listened to what they had to say.

We have recently been asked to weigh in on two issues of great importance to our area. The first is the proposed rate increase the insurance companies want to stick us with for homeowners insurance. The second is the proposal to open our waters to offshore drilling. These two issues get more remakes than "A Star Is Born." We've fought these fights and generally have done alright in the outcomes. But here they are again and many people are wondering "Is anybody listening?"

The answer to that is hopefully. In Congressman Johnson's office EVERY postcard, letter and phone call received a written response from the congressman. Yes, we had form letters for the big issues that would regularly cause agitation in the constituency. Gun control, abortion, animal rights, prayer in school all showed up as concerns in our mailbox. People's positions were duly noted, tabulated and replies were sent even to the folks who sent us form post-cards. If visitors arrived from the state, every effort was made to get them face time with the congressman to hear their issues. I would say roughly 80% of the other congressional offices operated the same way. 

Now, my time with Congressman Johnson was before emails, Facebook, Twitter and all the other modern platforms for communication. I don't know if congresspeople today can keep up the same way we used to. But I'd bet dollars to donuts that they are mindful of which way the wind is blowing based on what sort of input they are receiving from the public. 

Yes, we have fought these fights time and again. Yes, there is some level of fatigue from having to return to the ring for yet another round. But maybe in some small way it helps knowing that your voice is being heard. Not as an individual, more than likely. But the mass of opinion can move the needle even for representatives who may not share your political values. It is important we be heard and heard in great numbers. So keep up the good fight, send those cards and letters, be a thorn in the side and a bee in the bonnet and hopefully we'll come out on top again.