Hey I just thought of something...

[Pikachu_PM]

We are all at least fairly intelligent ppl here...more to the point we, at least appear to be, well informed on political matters. I'm wondering if you all would like to try a test out.

I know a lot of us disagree on a lot of things...but there has to be at least one issue we all both feel strongly about as well as agree on. What if we all picked 2 or 3 senators, and each of us wrote a letter about this issue (whatever the issue is). I'm thinking the increasing Federal Debt....but I'd like to have concensus. I want to see if A) we can at least get a response back, and B) maybe even make a difference. I think we should target senators/congressmen who vote *contrary* to us, but have a record of being open and fair minded.

The idea would be to each mail or e-mail, well written arguments about are position. Who knows, if IW grows big enough maybe we can turn into a lobbying group...on thats *perhaps* listend to! Idealistic--yes, but isn't it worth a try?

Opinions plz.

[Stratos]

IW a lobbying group? For what? And with the diverse opinions of its members?

Are you a political agitator, Pikachu?

i think we should couple this with the IW donation needs. something about how the IW community strengthens america and therefore deserves federal funding...

[khazadman]

There you go Sultan, something we both agree on. After all, if they'll pay for retirees drugs (even though they don't want the help) they can pay for our little home away from home here.

[Pikachu_PM]

I think you guys are missing the point. We all come here and talk about politics, but what are we actually doing about it?

More to the point, this would be mostly a test...to see if the little guy can be heard.

While the opinions here are very diverse, we all have a common enough background where I'm sure we could find *one* issue to agree on and attack. I'm not trying to stand up and be a leader here...just present new ideas.

While the reality of this idea might be foolhardy, I find it disconcerting that the *idea* itself is considered a joke. The world is full of people who talk a good game, but how many actually get out in the field and start playing?

[Stratos]

Originally posted by Pikachu_PM: While the opinions here are very diverse, we all have a common enough background where I'm sure we could find *one* issue to agree on and attack.

Good luck finding one.

No seriously, what would these issues be? Other than obvious ones that we all can agree on, like pedophilia should remain illegal, it's hard to find something that we can reach an agreement on. I suppose issues like abortion, gun control, war in and death penaly are out of the question. We've already have had heated debates about those. What about all non-American members, does our voice weigh as much as the Americans on issues that deals with internal politics? And what about all the IW members that don't even visit the 'Current Events' forum?

I understand your idea and it's always refreshing with new ones, but would this really work. I don't think so.

You are free to rally people to any cause you might feel strongly about, as long as it doesn't break any rules here, but I think that IW itself should be kept outside any political initiative. If IW falls under a political label, that might be disturbing to some members as there's always some that will disagree. IW is first and foremost a gaming community and should be kept that way.

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Pikachu_PM: I think you guys are missing the point. We all come here and talk about politics, but what are we actually doing about it?

Some of us are doing something about it Pikachu.

[Seraph]

What if we all picked 2 or 3 senators, and each of us wrote a letter about this issue (whatever the issue is).

Unless they have higher goals (eg they are running for president), if you can't vote for a particular senator then they aren?t going to care about what you have to say.

[ 12-06-2003, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: Seraph ]

[Pikachu_PM]

Originally posted by Stratos: quote: Originally posted by Pikachu_PM: While the opinions here are very diverse, we all have a common enough background where I'm sure we could find *one* issue to agree on and attack.

Good luck finding one.

No seriously, what would these issues be? Other than obvious ones that we all can agree on, like pedophilia should remain illegal, it's hard to find something that we can reach an agreement on. I suppose issues like abortion, gun control, war in and death penaly are out of the question. We've already have had heated debates about those. What about all non-American members, does our voice weigh as much as the Americans on issues that deals with internal politics? And what about all the IW members that don't even visit the 'Current Events' forum?

I understand your idea and it's always refreshing with new ones, but would this really work. I don't think so.

You are free to rally people to any cause you might feel strongly about, as long as it doesn't break any rules here, but I think that IW itself should be kept outside any political initiative. If IW falls under a political label, that might be disturbing to some members as there's always some that will disagree. IW is first and foremost a gaming community and should be kept that way. [/QUOTE]Farm Subsidies---name me one person on this forum who thinks the farm subsidy laws shouldn't be amended to exclude large farmers making over $200k a year. I had to think for about 20 seconds to come up with that...I'm sure there are plenty of other ideas out there.

Further, you misunderstand...I'm not actually trying to turn us into a lobbying group--thats just a fun thing to think about--just trying to pick *one* idea and try to see if we can make a difference. Moreover, I'm not asking us to become democratic or republican...I'm saying pick one issue that 99% of us either agree on or don't care about and go for it.

Anyways, i've already mailed a letter to my senator and congressman...if you don't agree with me on principle fine...I just hope your not making exuses for laziness.

[edited by me: Thatlast part came off a bit rude--I apologize. My point is just that the concept really is a simple and inoffensive one...and if you people don't do it I hope it's for the right reasons.]

[ 12-07-2003, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: Pikachu_PM ]

[Pikachu_PM]

Originally posted by Yorick: quote: Originally posted by Pikachu_PM: I think you guys are missing the point. We all come here and talk about politics, but what are we actually doing about it?

Some of us are doing something about it Pikachu. [/QUOTE]You'll note I didn't single you or anybody else out...I'm glad to hear you (and I'm sure others) are doing something. Of course, on top of everything else your doing...how long does it take to mail a letter to your Senator or Congressman?