Thanks to co-host Aric Vance for the text:
"Over the last several months many of you have probably received a number of full-color printed mailings from our Congressman, Charles Taylor. So far this year they've run the gamut from illegal immigration to healthcare, and yesterday several homes in the Asheville area received a big one. Printed on two sides and when unfolded measuring approximately 12" X 34", this one is essentially a self-congratulatory mailing, trumpeting a sizeable number of appropriations (more commonly known to the layperson as "pork projects") that he secured for the 11th District.
Whether you agree with what a Representative has to say in these mailings, they all have something in common - it's part of the "franking privelege", where elected officials can print and send letters, flyers, etc. to their constituents, all on the taxpayer's dime. More information on this can be found @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franking
The most telling portion of the Wikipedia article reads:
"Franking is one of the largest advantages of incumbency, contributing to a very high reelection rate in the U.S. legislative branch."
So... how can we make sure that this incumbency advantage does not apply here at home? How can we make sure that the reelection percentage rate (which is typically in the low-to-mid 90's) gets skewed downward slightly?
Lets talk about it over a pint or two!Today is Thursday, which means it's time for our weekly gathering of armchair politicians, activists, guerilla theoriticians, bloggers, LTE writers, beer lovers and Ladder Golf players that we like to call Drinking Liberally! Come on out to the Asheville Brewing Company (77 Coxe Ave., near the bus terminal) and join us - all are welcome, and we always look forward to seeing you!
Love,
syntax (co-host, Asheville Drinking Liberally)
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