One thing about the Internet, at least from my personal experience and from what I learned back in a college Cyberpolitics course, is that it has made elected officials more reachable. I feel heartened whenever politicians I have written to actually do respond to my questions. Sure, they are obviously template responses. Sure, responses seem to come only if the answer is in agreement with my stance. I wouldn’t be surprised if the responses weren’t written by them personally. Nor would I mind.
This blog is not intended to be a forum for controversial political debate and I won’t get into my own views on any potentially charged topics. This topic (hopefully) is benign enough that arguments and name-calling can be avoided.
I wrote NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg and voiced my support in renewing the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. Here is his reply.
Dear Ms. Galang :
Thank you for contacting me with your support for the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. I am a proud cosponsor of the reauthorization bill (S. 597) and I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
We have made great strides in the war on cancer, in large part because of scientific advances and the dedicated work of oncology physicians and nurses. Cancer mortality rates have declined each year for the past decade. However, despite these promising developments, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer death for women.
It is clear that further research is still needed and the breast cancer stamp has been extremely successful in raising awareness and money for this important work. Since its inception, the stamp has raised over $53 million for breast cancer research. Please be assured that I strongly support the continuation of this stamp and will continue to advocate for increased cancer research.
Thank you again for writing.
Popularity: 67% [?]
