Liberty Maven

With nineteen new bills introduced on Monday, this marks the least “productive” day since this column has begun, six business days ago (which is a good thing, comparatively speaking).  Overall, the newly-introduced bills are just more of the same:

• SR70 – A resolution congratulating the people of the Republic of Lithuania on the 1000th anniversary of Lithuania and celebrating the rich history of Lithuania.
• HJR39 – Recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
• HR227 – Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commending the PanCretan Association of America.
• S-554 – A bill to improve the safety of motorcoaches, and for other purposes.
• S-553 – A bill to revise the authorized route of the North Country National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota to include existing hiking trails along Lake Superior’s north shore and in Superior National Forest and Chippewa National Forest, and for other purposes.
• S-552 – A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make their land available for access by the public for maple-tapping activities under programs administered by States and tribal governments.
• S-544 – Provides for special immigratory treatment of Ashley Ross Fuller, despite the rules of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the contrary.
• S-550 – Provides for special immigratory treatment of Francisca Lino, despite the rules of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the contrary.
• S-549 – Provides for special immigratory treatment of Simeon Simeonov, Stela Simeonova, Stoyan Simeonov, and Vania Simeonova, despite the rules of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the contrary.
• S-548 – A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a Federal energy efficiency resource standard for retail electricity and natural gas distributors, and for other purposes.
• S-547 – A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations.
• HR226 – Recognizing the plight of the Tibetan people on the 50th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama being forced into exile and calling for a sustained multilateral effort to bring about a durable and peaceful solution to the Tibet issue.
• HR224 – Supporting the designation of Pi Day, and for other purposes.
• HR223 – Honoring the life, achievements, and contributions of Paul Harvey, affectionately known for his signature line, “This is Paul Harvey. . .Good Day”.
• S-545 – A bill to develop capacity and infrastructure for mentoring programs.

Most of these bills are clearly out of bounds of official business of the federal government and/or are clearly unconstitutional.

Have you ever considered calling your representatives to tell them how you feel about any of the bills introduced into Congress?

I must admit that the first time I did so, I was afraid.  But you must remember that the office of each senator or representative is staffed with people answering the phones.  They expect you, their constituent, to call in to let them know how you feel.  They are waiting for your call.  Really!  Nearly every time I call, someone answers right away, and I’m treated with courtesy and respect.  When they answer, simply tell them what bill you support or oppose, and they will pass along your message to your representative.  Some may as for your name and address, and some may not.  It’s really as simply as that.  Expect your phone call to last no more than a couple of minute.

If you don’t know who your Senators are, or how to contact them, click here to found out.

If you dont’ know who your Representatives are, or how to contact them, click here to find out.

Be a part of the process.  Let your elected representatives know how you feel.  Your comments may or may not make a difference, but if you do nothing you are guaranteed not to have a say.