[InHam] BPL - a Grassroots Campaign

[James S. Sellers]

With the statement by President George W. Bush in Minneapolis on April 26th
that
he supports BPL, it is most important that all Amateur Radio Operators join
in a
grassroots campaign. It is most urgent that we go on record as not
supporting the
President's position on BPL. I urge you to contact the White House, your
Senators
and Representatives by letter, e-mail, FAX, or telephone expressing your
opposition
to BPL technologies.

E-mails can be sent directly to the White House using
president@whitehouse.gov
<mailto:president@whitehouse.gov> or the online form that is available at:
<https://sawho14.eop.gov/PERSdata/intro.htm>.

Telephone calls can be made to either: (202) 456-1111 (comments) or (202)
456-1414
(switchboard). Be ready to give a very short, concise statement. The
operators are
very good - they tally the calls.

The easiest and most common way to communicate with Congress is through
letters and E-mails. Many people question whether there is a difference
between
a letter and an e-mail to a Member of Congress. The answer is yes and no.
Both
are treated equally as they come into the office. The difference comes in
timeliness.
Due to security procedures, e-mail may arrive at its intended recipent a bit
quicker.  Most local newspapers have the addresses of your Senators and
Representatives.

When you mail or e-mail a letter or note to the President, or a Member of
Congress,
please send a copy of your correspondance to me. This will allow me to
follow up
with additional timely comments. Also, I will forward copies of your letters
and e-mails
to the ARRL's Washington Team for future follow-ups.

Draft letters to the President, and Members of Congress have been placed on
the
Indiana Section ARRL Website <http://www.inarrl.org/> for your use and
information.
Also, there is a 2-page brochure in .pdf format that can be downloaded and
printed
to accompany your letters and e-mails.

I urge you to contact the White House, and Members of Congress in a quick
and
timely manner. This issue not only affects Amateur Radio, but a number of
other
communications services that are vital to our nation's security.

73, Jim Sellers K9ZBM, Indiana Section Manager
Indiana Section ARRL Website: www.inarrl.org/