So I took the time to contact Congressman Gerald Connolly of Virginia's office about the "enhanced" gropes being done by TSA. My letter to him ONLY addressed the two TSA issues: gropes and the strip-search machines.

Here's the response I got:

Not. Even. Close. You and your staff didn't even read the letter. DO you read legislation with this care before you vote on it?

Mr. Connolly: you and your staff: FAIL. You may be bigger idiots than some of the folks in TSA management.

Guess I'll be paying an in-person visit to the congressional office next week. I can't wait to see their look when I show the original letter and the response.

I get these all the time from Lautenberg, Menendez and Lance.

Idiots!

Exercise your right to :
Vote
Everyone of
Them
Out
............................................

I've sent such responses back to them along with my original letter - that seems to bring a response to the subject at hand, but it's always an "anything for security" response.

Hey, at least you got a reply...

I have not received any replies to any of the letters I have sent to Cardin, Mikulski or Cummings in over a year, not even the form letter saying "we got your letter and are looking into the issues."

I sent a message to my senators early this week. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas) being such a supportive representative of the public didn't even bother with a canned response.

It is clear that Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has no time for the little people.

I hope Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison asks for my vote so I can tell her to F Off.

It sounds like somebody enjoys their connection to www.tsaporn.com too much

And hasn't for a long time. 10 years ago when I worked in DC and flew every week, 3 or 4 times next to her, she couldn't be bothered to talk to a constituent.

You will get their attention when members of Congress (all elected officials for that matter) need your money (political contribution) to continue the campagin, and/or, on election day to get out & vote - if it's a closely contested race (if it's a landslide, forgetaboutit) or a run-off within their own party. The morning after election day, win or lose, and for days & weeks afterward, you won't hear from him/her - no news, emails or automated calls - all of a sudden, the average citizen is no longer important.

Making a personal visit to the Hill, call ahead & speak to the appointment secretary as a constituent of their district, tell him/her (the staffer) that you would like to meet with the Congressman briefly for a photo op while touring the Capital buildings, and you wanted to "contribute" and support his efforts on behalf of the constituents. (Note: that does NOT necessary mean a financial contribution ....)

That should give him a nice surprise when you show him your letter & their canned reply, after getting your photo taken first.

I wrote to Sen. Claire McCaskill in January, largely taking a template from this board saying that the strip-search machines were not a reasoned response to the Christmas Day bombing attempt. The reply said nothing about that, and just went over the arguments over whether the suspect should be tried in civilian or military court. She is on the Homeland Security Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, which should have questions about how Rapiscan got the deal.

Last week I called my Senator, Hatch Utah-R. I left a message with a staffer. Less than 2 hours later I had a phone conversation with his staffer who works with him on the Judiciary Committee. We had a very good conversation (he thought the gates searches were unnecessary). While we did not agree on everything it was a good conversation - to the point that he was going inquiry to the TSA as to why they felt (pun intended) the need to feel up PAX. I in turned promised to report on my Bos experience next week.

However, in general I have found the response letters which are typically written by staffers often to be lacking. As such, I find it better to call - as it wastes less time of my time.

i agree 100% but let's be fair as it has to cross both sides of the aisle

Vote
Everyone of
Them
Out

3rd rail reply. I dont mind saying "I told you so".

This is surprising? Since I'm assuming you didn't include a really nice campaign contribution, that's why you got the form letter response. Congresscritters listen to donors, not voters.

TSORon, this is twice that you have mentioned the "Third Rail".

Are you suggesting that DHS/TSA is subverting the government of the United States?