March-April 2005

How I Faxed Every Member of Congress

After failing to elicit a genuine response from my local representatives, I decided to fax my proposal to every single member of Congress. It was necessary to send my proposal via fax because many Congressmen do not accept e-mail attachments and postal mail delivery has been subject to a long delay due to security concerns. I figured that at least one of the 535 members of Congress would actually take the time to read my report, so I began to compile a list of Congressional fax numbers. I found these numbers by visiting the personal website for each and every representative listed at the House and Senate homepages.

Incidentally, the phone company cancelled the unlimited long distance service plan as a result of my "non-standard and non-residential" usage patterns. The phone bill was 17 pages long and included 1,567 individual fax numbers. I estimate that I sent out over 24,575 pages worth of faxes during this time period, but I would not recommend that anyone else attempt to contact Congress in a similar manner. Despite these efforts, there has been virtually no response. While I could have almost predicted such a result, I simply wished to test the virtue of our Democracy, the ideal of a government of the people, by the people, for the people. I had hoped that America was a place where regardless of age, income, ethnicity, or social standing, an individual's voice could be heard.

“I faxed you because Social Security is a national issue, and my local Senators and Congressmen have been unresponsive. I would appreciate any advice that you could give me on getting their attention. However, I have spent an enormous amount of time working on this plan, and I do not wish to give up simply because my local Congressman has a different and opposing viewpoint. On a national issue like Social Security, I felt like it was within my rights to find a representative who would genuinely listen to my concerns. I am not trying to be a nuisance, and I realize that you are extremely busy. However, please do not let the fact that I live in a different district dissuade you from listening to my ideas. I know that this request is more than I am entitled to ask, but I sincerely hope that you will extend me the kindness of your consideration. Thank you for your time.” - Adam Florzak

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