[nfb-talk] I understand.RE: nfb-talk Digest, Vol 55, Issue 94

[Mike Freeman]

Ashley:

First, what to do? Sit back andd relax. There really isn't time to influence your senators or congresspersons before we go off the cliff.

Second, NFB doesn't lobby; we "educate". We wish to keep our 501c(3) status with IRS. Lobbyists aren't charitable entities so are taxed.

Third, the case of SSDI and how its funded isn't simple. However, I shall forbear getting into this since it will rile people of both liberal and conservative persuasions.

Fourth, the best way to g3t to know your senators and representatives is to come to Washington Seminar. That way, you'll become acquainted with legislative aides that handle our issues of interest. Other than that, I don't think it makes a lot of difference whether one contacts the local congressional or senatorial office or the one in DC since opinions on issues are almost always aggregated and forwarded to the elected official unless one has a personal friendship with the political representative one is working with. I usually call the DC office, though.

Mike Freeman
sent from my iPhone

On Dec 27, 2012, at 17:10, "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Robert,
> You can say stuff political if its nonpartisan. But bashing a party and
> saying we should not talk to  Republicans is too partisan and propanganda.
> This list is usually quiet, but to see what is discussed go to the nfb
> archives found on www.nfbnet.org and click on join lists and click on the
> list you want and then there is a link to the archive.
> 
> I think if we discussed how we can lobby congress to keep education funding
> that would be fine, but I haven't seen that. We need to work with all
> congressmen of all parties.
> I think we all recognize that the fiscal cliff and cuts that would go into
> affect like education and rehab cuts could be devistating to people who
> depend on them.
> 
> So, with less than a week to go for a deal, it does concern all americans.
> So what to do?
> 
> Ashley
> -----Original Message----- From: Robert Ortiz
> Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 1:28 AM
> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nfb-talk] I understand.RE: nfb-talk Digest, Vol 55, Issue 94
> 
> Dear Mike Friedman,
> 
> I understand and agree completely that our role as NFB members is to put the
> interests of the blind above all else.  As I said, I'm still new here, and I
> won't make that political discussion mistake again.  Please be patient with
> me while I learn the ropes.  Thankyou,
> 
> Sincerely, Robert Ortiz.
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-talk [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> nfb-talk-request at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 12:33 AM
> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: nfb-talk Digest, Vol 55, Issue 94