If we do not educate ourselves with the laws of the land that affect our lives, contact our members of Congress to communicate our views at every opportunity, and take an active role in the American democratic process, the "American Dream" will always be just that, a dream! Write your members of Congress TODAY!
DATE: (TODAY'S DATE)
[ Identify Your Member of Congress at the ITA Congressional Directory]
Dear Congressman [insert],
Although, I am encouraged by the recent developments in US sanctions policies towards Iran, I am still deeply concerned about the growing threat posed by US unilateral trade sanctions on Iran, its impact on American jobs and exports, as well as the Iranian people in Iran and the US. The US trade sanctions on Iran do not have the backing of any other countries, hence they will never have their intended effect. If the US acts alone, US workers, farmers, businesses, as well as the Iranian people pay the price in the form of lost opportunities and prosperity.
The impact of the US sanctions on the Iranian American community in particular has been largely overlooked. Iranian Americans have been inadvertently contained by the US foreign policy on Iran. They also have diminished career and market opportunities with US companies that are prohibited from trading with their homeland. In all, the people to people exchanges, endorsed by both countries, cannot flourish under these conditions.
I support a balanced and reciprocal trading relationship with Iran whereby we can export American goods and services to Iran and import all forms of Iranian goods into the US without excessive restrictions that prohibit economic growth for both sides. The new millennium should be about engagement not isolationism. I look forward to working closely with your local staff and Washington DC office in addressing these important issues.
[Add your own comments]
[Your Name Here]
Hints: In contacting Congress, always keep your letters to one page, use the correct title and mailing address, be polite and professional, address only one issue, reference the bill number if possible, and use crisp communication to voice your support or opposition. Track the bills your are interested in and communicate with your member often, not once a year. Build a relationship with the member’s local office. Urge others to write, fax, email, or call their members of Congress as well. As a constituent, you will always get a response.