Grassroots Contact Of Representatives
This week we return to Iowa to visit with Claude Mertzenich.
Claude is in a key state because Iowa is the site of the first-in-the nation Presidential caucus. He wants to ensure his Representatives are educated about The FAIRtax as we anticipate "True Fundamental Tax Reform" will be one of the most important issues.
Claude writes first about his meeting with a staff member of Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01):
“I spoke with Rep. Finkenauer's northeast Iowa (8-County) rep today [Claude’s e-mail is dated 9/11/19] in Decorah for about 40 minutes, all on The FAIRtax.
I gave her a copy of The FAIRtax Book to pass along to the Rep. Finkenauer as well as an ongoing petition in support of The FAIRtax and a copy of the document "10 Reasons Why Democrats Strongly Support The FAIRtax"…. I also gave her more FAIRtax business and palm cards.
She listened attentively and we developed a good rapport since she's also lived in New Jersey and Florida (like me).
Her name is Yeshi Abebe. [J.D., M.A., with an impressive resume.]“
Claude writes further:
“I hope I did a reasonably good job accurately answering her several questions. On 2 questions, though, I was a little stumped, and I told her I'd get back to her.
[Editor’s note: Claude did exactly right to admit he was not sure of the answer. Kudos to Claude for putting himself out there and getting the information. That’s how he and others like him will learn].
She also asked about the impact on the federal debt upon transitioning to The FAIRtax. I suggested at first there should be little to no impact but with a growing economy due to the influx of $ and industries into the USA, there should be a decrease in the yearly deficit; one would hope it would lead to a paydown of the debt [Good answer!]”.
Claude further writes:
“SIDE NOTE: I find it weird I'm meeting with the Representative's representative. Perhaps we need more elected Representatives in Congress with less staff each so We The People can meet with our Congressional Representatives and not the Representatives' representatives. I've been thinking about this for years, but this really highlights the problem.
[Editor’s note: it usually works out that way. Sometimes you can get a follow-on meeting with the Representative themselves]”.
Claude hasn’t stopped with Rep. Abby Finkenauer. Here Claude describes further working the Democrat side of the grassroots:
“… I will be trying to convince my local democrat friends to support The FAIRtax. If you're of the praying type please pray for me, them and all of us. … Joyce M. Becker … is a retired former mathematics colleague of mine, and she's the current Secretary of the Winneshiek County Democrats. … Now I've got to hit on the Republicans to let me talk, too.”
Finally, Claude has sent a message to his 2 United States Senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.
Claude is not showing any signs of slowing down. We need to replicate what Claude is doing in every Congressional District in the United States.
Call For Pictures & WriteUps
We need more of you to send in pictures and news. If you have anything to share, please EMAIL your material to me, text me 908-578-4975, Fax me 908-598-2888.
When others see your activity, they are inspired, and the process snowballs. When the process snowballs, Representatives, Senators and, yes, even the President start to take notice and listen to Us.
Yours In Liberty,
Jim Bennett
AFFT Grassroots Coordinator & Secretary