[ciarannolan]

You're assuming good faith in elected representatives and their staff.

I wonder if anyone in the last decade has _ever_ walked into their rep's office, talked to them, and changed their vote on a key issue. I really doubt it.

[indymike]

I have. Multiple times, but not every time. Reps get close to zero direct interaction with constituents. It's usually filtered by a group with an agenda (petitions, campaigns). When you go as a citizen and talk (not scream or debate) about an issue that really matters, you will get their ear. You may not get the vote you want, but you will be take seriously, and the staff and rep will discuss what you are bringing to them. If you have 2-3 people approach your rep with the same problem it will have the same effect as a petition with thousands of signatures.