reducerenewrecycle

It’s been a 22-day dry spell, but I’ve heard from another one.

Dear xxxx,

I wanted to write and let you know that the Congressman received your letter, and he wanted me to respond personally.  Thank you pointing out the importance in the way which terms used to describe those who are mentally ill cause stigmas.  As you know, there have been different words used throughout history to describe different groups of people that are insensitive or inappropriate.  Hopefully, over time, all these terms will be removed from legislative statutes.

Best,
Liz

Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman E

*eye roll*

In replying to this fluffy, stupid, brush-off email, I curtly asked if I should interpret this response on Congressman E’s behalf as disinterest and I’d be better served pursuing other avenues to get this accomplished. Her response:

Eleven days ago, 16 letters were postmarked to 14 elected officials – from my representative to the President – and two local advocates to change the phrase ‘mental defectives’ in US law.

Today, the post office delivered the first two responses.

Representative W said in essence, ‘Dear fill-in-the-blank, thanks for your letter.  Since you’re not in my district, you’re not my problem. But here’s your representative’s address. Have a nice day.‘

The first of the two advocates, Former Representative R, replied on a more personal level (but probably only because he knows who I am via TB, my brother-in-law, and a friend of mine.) ‘I wholeheartedly agree with you, but since I’m not in Congress anymore, I suggest you contact your current congresspeople.‘

Erg. I knew I should have included a list of those I copied to avoid the inevitable ‘you should talk to so-and-so’ responses.

In sixth grade, I wrote to the first President Bush with a recycling initiative. Six months later, with generic response in hand, I learned that only the loud and unrelenting are heard.  I was small and meek at 12 years old.  Some things have changed in the twenty years between receiving a form letter from the White House and today. While still small, meek was a skin I shed in high school.

Fourteen responses to go.  All I need is one bite.