First response

My last post was a copy of a note I sent to my 2 Senator's and y Congressman. I promised I'd show any response I received. Here's what I received from my Congressman (Congressman Perlmutter)

"Dear Don,

Thank you for contacting me about government spending. I appreciate hearing from you on such an important issue because it enables me to better represent the beliefs and values of our district.

As you know our country is facing some of the toughest financial times since the Great Depression. I share your concerns about taking action to ensure our economic well being. Our economy has traditionally thrived when the federal government oversees, but does not interfere too much in, the free market. However, there are times when the federal government must act responsibly for the stability and security of our country. Some of our nation's largest employers are on the brink of failure if the federal government does not intervene. With millions of Americans working for our nation's auto makers, and many millions more in industries directly related to it, our nation simply cannot afford to stand by and do nothing, at times the federal government must intervene. That is why I voted in favor of a plan to provide loans to these companies in exchange for major restructuring to their long-term plans.

Recently, the House passed a budget blueprint for 2010. As you may know, this budget proposes to roll back tax breaks for those making over $250,000, close corporate tax loopholes, and bring tax relief to 95% of working Americans. The budget also pushes forward a green energy agenda designed to create jobs in the renewable energy sector and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Further, the budget promises to make great strides in healthcare reform to lower the costs of quality care, and makes critical investments in education by making college more affordable. I reaffirm my commitment to helping our country return to economic prosperity while maintaining a focus on important investments in our future as set forth in the budget plan."

This is rather obviously a canned response to questions about spending and budget that makes no attempt to respond to the content of my note. This is a pattern I've noticed - the Congressional websites have a list of Subjects that you are supposed to select from - I suspect (given my experience) there are canned letters to respond to those subjects so the staff doesn't have to even think about how to answer. It certainly doesn't increase the publics confidence they are really paying attention (one of hte points of the tea parties, which started this discussion).