It looks like a recent study has confirmed something that the Tenth Amendment Center has said for a long time – calling Congress does the average person no good. According to The Hill, two political scientists recently found that, “when controlling for the power of economic elites and organized interest groups, the influence of ordinary Americans registers at a ‘non-significant, near-zero level.'”
We hate to say, “I told you so,” but…
Seriously, isn’t this pretty much common knowledge by now? When was the last time that contacting your federal representatives had a demonstrable impact on the policies they pursued? Remember when Americans called their congressmen to protest the impending approval of Obamacare? Did that change their votes? Nope, they just want along granting themselves power that the Constitution doesn’t give them. Remember when most Americans opposed the Bush/Obama bailouts? Did that stop the payouts to the politically well-connected? Of course not.
When we say to not bother with federal politicians, this is the reason why. The culture of corruption, back-room deals and general disregard for the wishes of the people is too ingrained in Washington. If you want real change, work with your state and local representatives. Maybe they’ll actually listen to you.