A couple of days ago I posted a plea to the FML for everyone to contact
their friends and relatives in CA and have them contact their own state
senators and assembly members to OPPOSE AB 409 and to SUPPORT AB 363.
 
Then Jenna wrote to the FML:
 
>At the moment, the only place I ever have internet access is at my sister,
>Lorie's, house, and I probably won't have access at her house again until
>next week.  Could you find out for me who my state senator and assembly
>member are and how to get in touch with them?  I don't even know their
>names.
 
You can make it easier for your folks and friends if you could provide them
with the contact information for their legislators. If you have your
relative's or friend's zip code (preferably) or city, you can look up the
legislator's addresses for them at the CFL site or at:
 
        http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
 
If you or your friend DO NOT have web access, please send me
<[log in to unmask]> a list of zip codes for your California contacts. I
will make up a list for you to forward to your friends. Please do this only
if you have no other way.
 
You can also ask your relative or friend to look up the contact information
in the first few pages of their phone book.  They can also call 411 for the
legislators' district offices, and get the Sacramento address and fax number
from the district office.  When they call the district office for the
information, they should be sure to let them know how they feel about AB 409
(NO!) and AB 363 (YES!).
 
Yesterday, Glenn also suggested that we get dog and cat owners riled up
about this (yes), but that we should also use smear tactics (no).  In my
view, this whole thing is about too many lies being told--we're the good
guys, we needn't add to it.  The Truth is enough.  Pointing at what is being
done is enough.  Pointing to the new Los Angeles County regulations is
enough, for crying out loud--talk about outrageous!
 
Please remember, that people, especially "animal people", are generally
compassionate, kind, and willing to help.  You just have to ask.  It helps
if you make it easy for them (such as giving them their legislators' contact
info).  It helps if you personalize the issue ("How would you feel if ...").
It helps if you truthfully report the flagrant stupidity of the politicians
("Did you hear what so-and-so said ...").  It does not help if they find out
that you lied to them.
 
-- Lee, outside agitator, and one of the Native
   Daughters of the Golden West
[Posted in FML issue 2351]