Paper Mail

Written by Jen Saturday, 07 March 2009 17:40

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A napkin holder sits on our kitchen table. I have the habit of occasionally slipping a letter of importance in among the paper napkins, knowing my curious children will certainly pull it out and read it. This week's letter came from one of our Congressional state representatives in response to an email I'd sent regarding the recently passed government stimulus package. My children were impressed by the form of the response. Wow, a letter on real paper, in an envelope with a stamp! They suddenly realized that the U.S. Postal Service is not limited to delivering bills, credit card applications and college recruiting postcards.

In recent weeks, I've sent a number of emails to federal, state, and local government leaders about a variety of vexing and, in my opinion, irresponsible actions. Each responded with a mass email, "personally" addressed of course. This Congressional representative was the lone responder to send an old-fashioned letter, detailing and addressing each of my concerns with a dignified response. The power of such an unhurried effort cannot be underestimated.

Once, one of my children stated that he didn't think that one person speaking out against injustice made a difference. Once. Such a comment is blasphemous around our house. The response he received was not warm and fuzzy. The conversation that followed had a lot to do with freedom, responsibility and conscience, not to mention a good healthy dose of parental disapproval and expectations.

I've had a spark of hope recently that our lessons are being absorbed. Out of nowhere my son mentioned that he received an email from a local government leader in response to his own note. I held my breath. You see, my children are certainly old enough to formulate and relay their own opinions. What on earth had he said? Something age-appropriate and relative, I happily learned. At his tender age, he is discovering, indeed, that he can speak out and be heard.

Someday, I hope he, too, receives a thoughtful response from someone on paper, someone who is busy and "important," yet cares enough to print a letter, stuff and seal a real envelope and then affix a U.S. postage stamp. Someday, I hope he realizes that one voice represents many who remain silent. Someday...