They'll be slavering.
1. Writing letters to politicians is a way in which citizens of a democracy can influence the leaders they elect.
2. Writing letters has traditionally been a form of American political participation.
3. News gives people information, but people are often unable to use this information in any meaningful way.
4. Letter writing allows people to use the information they get from news by letting inform and encourage their political participation.
5. News-prompted letter writing works as a transition between media and political discourse.
6. In order for democracy to work, politicians must be held accountable for their actions by their constituency.
7. Receiving letters, as opposed to things like public opinion polls or even elections, gives politicians feedback that is personalized and individual.
8. Anyone who can afford paper, postage (or the Internet) can write letters to politicians; it is one of the only forms of political participation that everyone can do.
9. Writing letters can give politicians insight into perspectives that they had previously been unaware of.
10. Most people in America don't participate in politics; writing letters is a simple way for someone who wants to participate but never has to start, and could lead to further political participation.