Why
Post Cards?
Wouldn't e-mail be simpler
and easier? Why not FAX or call every day? How about a letter?
There are lots of ways to
send a message to minority president George W. Bush over the next four years.
We've determined the most effective and symbolic on an everyday basis is the post card.
Here's why:
- A post card is a
physical presence. It's an official communication from a citizen that has to
be handled and documented. While small, they cannot be ignored by White
House staff. And in large numbers every day, they demand attention. In this
case, the frequency becomes the message.
- Post cards are the
cheapest form of direct communication for nearly all Americans. Mailing a post
card is 23 cents at this time.
That's $1.15 a week if you send one every weekday. (Stamped post cards
are available at any post office, and they're printed on recycled stock.)
- E-mail, while cheaper
and perhaps more convenient, does not provide a physical presence. Also,
regardless of volume, it can be handled by one, computer-literate clerk
without needing to inform the minority president.
- Letters are fine,
especially for a first-time communication. However, they increase your postage cost; also they add more cost in paper and
envelopes.
- FAX is fine, but most
people will incur a long-distance phone charge sending a FAX message to the
White House. [White House FAX number is (202) 456-2461.]
- Direct phone calls also
incur long-distance phone charges for most people. This also allows White
House staff to create its own documentation worded in ways that may not
fully communicate your message.
- Finally, the
old-fashioned telegram can still be sent, and it can be hand-delivered to
the White House. However, this is cost prohibitive on a daily basis. See Western
Union.
Send A
Message ~ Send A Post Card
