[darkane]

I wouldn't argue against contacting your representative, but I'm curious: Has there ever been a documented occasion where a politician actually switched their stance based on e-mails, letters, phone calls, or anything other than a significant amount of money? I've never received a response from my local or state representatives that wasn't a convoluted and cordial "fuck you."

[carbocation]

Sure. In Baltimore, I witnessed debate prior to a vote on a highly contested bill (smoking ban). Several city council members gave a 'call count' of the # of constituents in favor vs the # opposed, and voted strictly in line with their constituents' preferences. I'm sure there are many documented instances of individual politicians doing this, although you can never strictly be sure that it's not just coincidence that their constituents are on the side of their big donors.

[quanticle]

The first bank bailout (in 2008) failed in the House of Representatives. Then the Dow Jones Industrial Average tanked ~900 points and the call volume to many representatives went from half-and-half to 3:1 in favor. That was the deciding factor in the lot of representatives decisions.

[cynest]

This. My representative (Adam Schiff) is one of the cosponsors. I find hard to believe that anything a lowly college student can say will seriously affect his chances of changing his vote.

[Lukeas14]

As a Pasadena native I've always known Adam Schiff to be very open to communication with his constituents. However, I can't recall him ever changing his position based on complaints. Also, his district contains cities that employees of several major studios (Universal, Disney, Dreamworks) call home which may help to explain his position.

[Natsu]

Remember, he's a politician. He can change just how hard he works to pass the bill based on how many people will hate him if it passes, even if he never flips.

That said, feel free to replace him in the next election, if possible.

[khafra]

Tell him that, as a college student with lots of social connections, if he neuters the internet like this you're going to have a whole lot of spare time--and you'll devote all of it to organizing protests against his re-election and/or any enterprise he chooses to pursue after leaving office.

[seagreen]

Do it nicely of course, but basically that's what you should say. Play to your strengths. You don't own a company -- maybe you don't even own a suit -- so you play to a college student's strengths which are social media connections and spare time.

[jasonlotito]

Still, you should say something, and tell him how this will impact you. While he is a co-sponsor, that doesn't mean you can't add your voice.

[nigelsampson]

In New Zealand I do remember a instance where a politician voted against what they personally believe in due to what their electorate wanted. Sadly the details escape me at the moment.