LEANINGS TOWARD ACTIVISM

I've been a letter-writer most of my adult life!  Literally hundreds of letters have gone out under my name over the years.  I've written presidents, senators, congressmen, governors, companies, and even foreign governments.  Fox News, ABC News and CBS News each probably have files with my name on them!  When I view unacceptable programming on TV, I grab my iPhone and send an email!

I remember the day that Travis called and told us that his chief (in the Navy) had recommended that he apply to the Naval Academy.  He did so and was happily invited for an interview.  It went well and weeks later he received his acceptance letter!  Woo Hoo!  He called to report that all he needed now was a letter of recommendation from one of his state senators.

My heart sank!  We lived in Ohio at the time and I had repeatedly written critical letters to Senators Metzenbaum and Glenn.  I gave Trav the bad news:  "Son, there's no way you'll get a recommendation from either of these senators.  They're the two most liberal senators and I've written to them many times - they'll quickly connect you to me!"  Ever the optimist, he responded:  "Oh no, Dad, I'll get a letter from one of them!"

Three weeks later he called and told me that they wouldn't even talk with him about a recommendation.  :-(    I was crushed!

But, he persevered!  "Dad, I can still hope for a recommendation from the president or the vice president!"

"Travis, I hate to tell you this, but I've also written numberless letters to President Clinton and Vice President Gore!  You're going to run into the same wall!"

"Oh no, Dad, they won't connect me to you..."

Weeks later:  "Dad, you were right.  They won't even respond to my requests."

"Trav, is there any other way that you can get a recommendation?"

"Yeah, there's one more route - the Secretary of the Navy.  Have you ever written to him, Dad?"  "No, son, I've never written to him."  [And that's where Travis got his recommendation!  😊]

But even this negative experience didn't stop me.  I've picketed porn shops and marched outside Planned Parenthood Clinics.  I've repeatedly attended the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. and carried signs on the sidewalk in front of the White House and the Supreme Court [for nearly three years we lived just outside the D.C. Beltway].  I've joined others in prayer in these places as well!  I've attended Senate hearings (when allowed) and participated in National Day of Prayer events in D.C. as well as in every locality in which I've lived.

Obviously, I lean toward making my voice be heard!  Debbie and I have had a conflict over and over throughout the years.  She's a Fox news junkie and makes frequent complaints about things going on politically in our nation.  I always come back with the challenge to write an email [which is SO EASY to do] and let her voice be heard!  That usually ends our discussion...

Today, however, after Senator Minority Leader, Schumer's public threats against Supreme Court Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh - I finally got her to write an email !  I had already written him two  this morning and told her how easy it was.  "Just type "Write Schumer" into your browser and follow the link and instructions;  it will take you all of five minutes to send him an email!"

She did it!  Woo Hoo!  Take my word for it - if Debbie can do it - SO CAN YOU!