Comments on: That Dude From Ben & Jerry’s Again

By: David D. Levine

David D. Levine — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

It sounds like a good idea. I mean, how cool is it to be able to fax your Congressperson on issues that matter to you with so little personal effort?

But on the other hand — how seriously will your Congressperson take a fax that was generated with so little personal effort? I have to wonder if automatically-generated faxes can have any impact at all, when even massive protests failed to derail the war on Iraq.

Color me grumpy today, I guess.

By: Tobias Buckell

Tobias Buckell — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

You know, at least I’m trying, is what I’m thinking. It’s a step in the right direction.

By: Scott Janssens

Scott Janssens — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

My beef with this is it all sounds good, but saying this is what’s wrong is useless. Until someone says this is what’s wrong and this is how to fix it I won’t be bothered to listen.

1-1) I agree with the sentiment, but I’m curious as to how he’d support the statement. How does my life depend on saving those starving elsewhere in the world? Nothing closes my ears faster than unsupported hyperbole.

1-2) Ok, championing can mean many things, most of them ineffective.

1-3) If we’re not signatories then we’re not obstructing. I presume this means Kyoto which is being obstructed by many countries and which Clinton signed but was never ratified. Actually didn’t even come close to ratification by either party.

1-4) Well yeah, but again, how? Also easier said than done.

1-5) What does that mean? It’s very vague.

1-6) So if we do does that mean Russia and China will too? Unless that happens, I could never support this.

1-7) How?

1-8) Absolutely. How?

1-9) “You may saaaay I’m a dreamer…”

1-10) That’s just poorly written. Just close the gap between the kids? Even as stated I don’t necessarily agree with the idea. I’m assuming he’s talking about equality in education and opportunities, which isn’t only about money.

Doesn’t seem like they’re doing much of anything. Just sending emails out when certain things come up for a vote. When Ben starts drawing up bills with his representative, then I’ll pay attention.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

When I went to Washington, D.C. in college, we were told that one personal letter is usually thought to represent the voices of about 100 people. I think that’s what we were told– it’s a similar number at any rate. I have a feeling it is far more effective to actually write or call than it is to email or join online groups. It means you’re involved and that’s a huge step, but writing is probably more effective.