Well, didn't this just arrive on the perfect day, with Luke and Owen at Camp Grandma and me with plenty of time on my hands to rant freely...
Some of you may remember, back this winter, I got several pieces of mail from one of our illustrious political parties in which the tone was depressing, oppressing, and threatening all at the same time. It really got me down, enough that I turned to you all for support, and felt much better reading your comments and thoughts on the political climate in this country. At least I am not the only one who thinks that this type of mailing might perhaps be detrimental rather than helpful!
Fast forward to yesterday, when I got a large-ish envelope marked up in red shouting, "SECOND NOTICE --- REGISTERED DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED". My first thought was that I'd done something wrong, forgotten to pay an important bill, but I wised up when I opened the envelope and read the post-it stating impatiently, "we have not received your response to the survey sent to you earlier. Please complete and respond right away." Of course, it was in a font meant to look like somebody had hand-written this little reminder, which just bugs the crap out of me, especially since there was never any first notice.
This irritating mail came from the political party currently in power, and as a result it wasn't quite as foam-at-the-mouth rabid as the snailings I got in the winter. Which was good, I guess. But how many "leaders such as [me]," "especially chosen" to "provide input" - and inject cash - will they really get when they treat us awesome 'leaders' like scofflaws who need second notices marked up in red to get us to contribute?
I am probably just getting old, but this mailings pays me, the recipient, so little respect, and I just find that infuriating. They get you to open the envelope by making you think you've done something wrong, and then they tell you how they need leaders like you? When it turns out that what they need, of course, isn't your leadership or your input. Except for the input from your bank account.
This is no way to run a country, that is for sure. It's so divisive - each party wants you to believe that the other side is not looking out for you, your family, or your best interests. Each party is so invested in knocking the other one down, it is easy to forget that, as President Lincoln said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand."
Humbug! (That's me, feeling old :-)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Obnoxious Political Snail Mail, Take 2
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5 comments:
That last bit you said is so true. Sometimes I see one party arguing against something like it's the worse thing for everyone but really to look at the facts it looks pretty darn good. To me it would appear that only fault lies in that the other party thought it up first. It seems like we can get nothing done.
I also agree with you on that mailing that is pretty disrespectful. You shouldn't be treated like a delinquent then told how great you are.
Oooh, I'm thinking you need this link today: http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
There is even a civility pledge! I follow it on FB and it is the only politically-based thing that I can support at the moment!!
It's amazing what the two major parties will do to disparage each other. The thing is, if a politician says things are hunky-dory, why would you vote for him over the incumbent? My feeling has always been that we need term limits at every level of government, but how do you get that? Even in NYC, where term limits were voted on--twice--and approved--twice--by the public, Mayor Bloomberg was still able to buy a third term.
It's a conundrum.
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina
Grrr... I would have been irritated, too! Not only did the "second notice" camouflage stress you out, but it wasted your time, too!
Um, I don't know if this will make you feel better but I'm nominating you for two awards. Your blog is definitely one of my very favorites!
Here is the link:
http://karmamatopoeia.blogspot.com/2010/08/pour-moi.html
I wonder does anyone fall for the weird flattery in those mailings? I always wonder if they've done an analysis and that is what brings in the most money or if it just sounds good to them.
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