Importance of Calling Your Congressmen

If you’ve ever been encouraged to call or write your Congressmen about an issue, you may wonder why you should take the time to do it. After all, not only could it be uncomfortable to call your Representative and two Senators, but you may also end up talking to an aide and not the lawmaker himself. Nevertheless, broadcasting your opinion about an issue is of the utmost importance. Let’s take a look at why.

Vocalization of Issues

How will Congressmen understand what their constituents are thinking if they don’t speak up? Congressmen aren’t mind readers (although some may claim to be). Unless several courageous individuals explain what they believe, Congressmen may just vote along party lines. Remember, citizens elect Representatives to do exactly that – represent them.

There’s an old adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Those who speak up will often have their issues heard. Those who remain silent will fail to be represented properly. Ask any Congressman and they’ll tell you that letting your lawmakers know where you stand, even if it is contrary to their beliefs, goes a long way. Even if your Representative is staunchly against internet gambling, for example, explaining the benefits of licensing and regulating the industry may help sway their vote. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

Safety in Numbers

The more constituents who weigh in on an issue, the more likely it is that it will be addressed on Capitol Hill. Remember, there are literally thousands of topics that Congress could tackle: health care, education, the environment, the economy, and foreign affairs, just to name a few. Internet gambling, despite its economic benefits in terms of increased revenue for the government, is not particularly high on many decision-makers’ lists. The more people who vocalize an issue, the better the chances are that it will be discussed.

Putting a Face to an Issue

Poker players have the unfortunate stigma of being associated with the mob and the Wild West. People think we’re laundering money to dubious causes like terrorism and drugs. Think about it. Do you know any poker player who has laundered money to Libya? Are any of your friends in the mob? None of mine are and I would wager to say (pun intended) that none of yours are either.

When you speak up, you put a face and a name on an issue. You can explain your personal story, so instead of poker being tied to the Mafia, the game can be associated with housewives, students, and the working class. The only way this is possible is by a throng of voting poker players calling up. When you do, please don’t forget your personal story – it’s the most important part.

Voices Mean Votes

Members of the House of Representatives are up for re-election every two years. That means they’re constantly running for office. By the time a new lawmaker heads to Washington, DC, unpacks his office, and begins to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, it’s time to campaign once again. Poker players who vocalize their stance on an issue should point out that they are a voter. That’s one more person the Congressman could have on his side simply by voting one way or another on an issue. There are 10 million online poker players across the United States, or roughly one in every 30 people. For every poker player who calls up, many more are lying in wait.

If you haven’t registered to vote, the process varies by country. In the United States, registering to vote may only involve printing an online document and mailing it in. You may even be able to register when applying for a new drivers’ license. The voting age in the United States is 18, so check your local state office for more information.

Poker Bonuses encourages poker players to contact your congress man and have him know that poker is a game of skill.