Okay, I should clarify the title.  I have been posting today and in my blog below that the best thing to do after an election is to write your elected representatives and remind them of the fact that they are representing YOU as well.  So I did exactly that.  I have sent this e-mail once here through Townhall, and if I don't see anything within the next 48 hours, I will try again through direct e-mail.  But here it is, I hope you may look at it and get you thinking that you too should introduce yourself to your elected representatives.

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Good afternoon, sir/ma'am.  I would like to take a moment to introduce myself.  My name is USABeliever (Name changed), and I am a member of an area that you represent.  Once elected, I believe an elected representative has an obligation to put aside the party lines in order to effectively represent those in their area.  In light of the upcoming session of Congress, I would like to take this opportunity to find out more about my representatives in government.

1) Elected representatives should be acceptable of the opinions of those they represent, whether they agree or disagree.  Are you willing to listen to the opinions of all that you represent, whether they will be similar to your
interests or opinions?

2) If an individual that you represent differs in your opinion, are you willing to work to explain why you may disagree and possibly find a compromise?

2) Elected representatives should be accessible by those they represent.  Do you make an active effort to try and reach out to all of your constituents?  If someone needed to reach you or wanted to express their opinion, what would be their best avenue?

3) Elected representatives should cite any personal opinion regarding political issues.  This is important to ensure that it is not the personal opinion of the representative being expressed, but rather the opinion of those being represented.  Do you keep on file a exhaustive list of opinions that you hold on political issues?  This list should address your opinion on topics such as these, as well as others you feel important:

-The war in Iraq and national defense
-Economics, taxes and government spending
-Ecology
-Illegal immigration
-Campaign reform
-Health care and Social Security
-Foreign policy
-Accountability in government
-Equal rights
-Abortion
-Values

If your opinions are on file somewhere, is there a place they may be accessed by those you represent?  If they are not currently on file or not available to the public, are you willing to make those available to those you represent?

I am an American first and foremost, before any political affiliation; I hope that you consider yourself in the same manner.  I write this letter with the hope that regardless of who you may represent, you will do your best to reflect those you represent in Congress.  Our government only works if we have faith in those elected to do what is in the best interests of this country.  The best way to continue to strengthen that trust and faith is through communication.  As the new session of Congress approaches, I hope that you will take a moment to respond to this letter and share your thoughts.  Lastly if you are reading this, it is a beginning indicator that you are truly concerned about those you represent.  I would like to thank you for your attention and your time.

Sincerely,
USABeliever
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Now, if you do this through Townhall, it will automatically add your contact information if you have added it.  Again, since this is my test to send through here, I will try again if necessary this week.  But the point is this:  If those that represent you are not willing or otherwise unable to respond to you, or the response is negative - what does that say about your elected official?  I for one hope that they will write back.  Oversight for your Congressman or Congresswoman should not be done by the government - the responsibility is ours.  And information combined with our voice is how we uphold our responsibilities.

Have a great day everyone!