That is both good and bad. The ones that I most desperately wish to influence are ones who are farthest from my position on things - usually Republicans. And I guarantee you that they do pay attention. They may not read my perfect prose (/sarcasm), but they keep a very close watch on what their constituants are saying. Those that do not, fail reelection. That translates directly into things like bills calling for the end of social security failing to get enough support from the very people who believe in ending social security. Believe me, they listen very hard.

Back during Monica-gate, I had the pleasure (??!!???) of attempting to influence Rep. (grand inquisitor) Rogan. And attempt it I did. In addition to an email and a couple of letters, I hoped to phone his office. This I never accomplished. He always had automated voicemails to keep me from speaking to a human (which is another strike against him).

And I doubt that I influenced his behavior in any way, but in those days it was like a truck with no brakes going down a grade. Even so, I think that getting yourself counted is vital.

I did not refer to any way to game emails. Only that emailing your reps is very very easy now, for those that won't go to the trouble of snailmailing. In the old days there was something like this at Western Union, where they would wire your message to 100 senators and the president for a flat fee. It was not tailored to tell you who your reps were and send messages only to them and for free, like you can do now with the net.

I did not mean to discourage you or anyone writing to newspapers, nor to claim that my method is better.