To whom can one provide one's input about policy when

[The Madcap]

one's senators and representative are all R's and don't care about or respond adequately to emails? I have sent emails before, and all I get for responses are "Trump mandate"-type emails. Plus, they seem to be adding me to spam lists. I'm not going to name these senators and representatives here, but I believe that in many states, we really don't have anyone listening to our concerns.

Any ideas?

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. What is it you want -- a different kind of response, to be heard, results...?

[The Madcap]

3. All three, really.

I'd like for there to be someone who gives a rip about what I think. If I have a concern about an issue, there just doesn't seem to be anyone in a position of any power who listens. I guess that's the nature of being a peasant, and maybe I'm being a bit idealistic, but there should be a "clearinghouse" of sorts to gather the opinions of the people. Voting doesn't get that done, as it's just an either-or choice and not a survey of opinion with any weight.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

4. .

there should be a "clearinghouse" of sorts to gather the opinions of the people. Voting doesn't get that done, as it's just an either-or choice and not a survey of opinion with any weight.

Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. It's what you do with those opinions that makes power care one way or the other. So voting *is* actually a way to gather opinions -- you're (generally) either voting for the status quo or someone else's idea of what the status quo could be, with no assurance that there will be follow through one way or the other.

Don't get me wrong, I am a reliable and regular voter. But I know that the things that get my opinions noticed are much more along the lines of going to public meetings (city council, school board), volunteering, and gathering with others in a way that makes power uncomfortable. YMMV.

[sop]

2. All my representives in Florida - local, state and federal - are Republicans.

I regularly write, call and email my congresswoman and both US senators. I contact my governor and state senator. I attend county commission meetings. I write letters to my local newspaper. No one gives a shit what I think because I don't give them money.

[rurallib]

5. Different state, same problem