Instructions
Use one of the formatted documents linked below or Cut and Paste this letter into your own software. You can send the letter as is, or with your own personalized comments. Personalized letters carry more weight with elected officials, so personalize the letter if you can, even if that just means adding a handwritten signature or brief note to the fax or email.White House Letter in MS Word format
White House Letter in RTF Format
White House Letter in Pages format (Macintosh)
Guidelines for an effective letter to elected officials.
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[Today's Date]
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC 20500
Dear President Barack Obama,
I am writing to express my dismay at the massive spending bill and other 'stimulus' programs that have been announced as a response to the current economic downturn. I am concerned about how this spending will impact the future of our nation. It increases the deficit to an unimaginable level and will endanger our ability to remain a self-sufficient and independent nation. It binds us to the nations that hold this debt, including China and others who do not support democracy and individual rights. And it will burden our children and grandchildren, lowering their standard of living, as they struggle to pay this debt.
It is clear we have deviated from the basic American value of living within our means. Individual Americans helped bring on this crisis by reaching beyond their ability to repay their debts. They took on debt they could not repay, leaving the consequences to work themselves out by some miracle in the future.
If that sort or irresponsible spending by individuals brought on this crisis, how will a similar spending strategy by the Federal government somehow fix it? I don't think it will. If America is to remain a shining city on a hill and fulfill all the promise our Founding Fathers envisioned and shed their blood for, we must show the world we are ready to live up to our own high standards by implementing an economic policy that demonstrates responsibility, thoughtful planning, and self-control. I, and other Americans, will accept nothing less.
The Congress and White House have not listened to the will of the people, and THAT MUST STOP. Please accept this virtual tea bag as my promise to you that we will not allow this indifference and disregard to continue. Like our forefathers, we believe it is time for a change and are prepared to take action. In the spirit of the Boston Tea Party, we will toss overboard those who fail to listen by using our votes, our cash, and our feet.
You are accountable to the American people. It's time for you to remember that, and to start acting accordingly.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature or Name]
[Address]
[City] [State] [Zip Code]
[Telephone number]
[Email Address]
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