Dear Sir,
The present Sikh struggle in India has placed many responsibilities on those of us who are abroad. Being in the U.S. gives us a unique opportunity to help direct the destiny of our oppressed people. The chief reason is that in this land a single voice of concern is heard with respect provided channeled properly. One of the most powerful and influential institutions in the world is the congress of the United States. If the Sikhs in America are to define and chart their own future and help those in Punjab it will be because they are players in the political and legislature process.
It has been the result of the efforts of the faithful few that Hon Wally Herger (RCA) introduced HR1067 on 23rd February, 1989, denying most favored nation status to India, To date 33 legislators have cosigned the bill. Before we look at individual principles one needs to have total faith in the guaranteed freedom to express one’s view within the law in the USS. Nearly all legislators are honest, conscientious, hardworking men and women who are striving earnestly to do a good job. Getting involved in the political arena isan honorable way of making our government work in America. We must all be actively involved because those of opposite opinions and goals are always in the fray and legislators usually accept unopposed opinions as satisfactory.
Let us now examine the individual principles which, if applied, will make you an effective and appreciated lobbyist for the Sikh cause.
Be prepared and informed. Know the facts on Sikhism, Sikh history and the present struggle. Understand the issues and enough background material so you can comfortably discuss the matter to any extent necessary. Try to think in advance of possible responses to questions most likely to be asked. Be trustworthy and consistent. Don’t tell different legislators different stories. They talk to each other and inconsistency is soon unmasked. Be loyal. Help the legislator who shares your same point of view by actively supporting his or her election. Be helpful. Try making a personal financial contribution when they turn for office and give your time and energy. Take out some flyers, make some phone calls or write appropriate endorsements. Ask what you can do for them. While serving, they will often need and seek your advice and input. It’s your great opportunity and privilege to help by responding. Be friendly. Become personal acquaintance. Find their special interests and enthusiasms. Wonderful, lifelong friendships can develop this way. Be courteous. They have been elected to high public office. They have earned their title (senator, representative, assemblyman, etc.), Use their title frequently along with their last name when addressing them. Do this even if you know them on a first name basis, A letter should be addressed to The Honorable (use first and last name). Congress
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington D.C. 20515 Tel. 202/2257000 919/7818136
Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Tel 202/2242115 919/7818136
Be kind. There are many stresses and demands upon the legislators. All votes will not go your way. A thank you note is most appreciated from time to time. If a vote or election is unfavorable, a brief note expressing your regret and a review of a pertinent point or two is not inappropriate. Be cheerful. There are many angry people in the legislative halls and offices. Your pleasant smile and kind word will be warmly received. Be brave. You may never have made a legislative contact before. There is nothing to fear. Pick up the phone and call your legislator’s office or home or sometimes even the legislature. Leave a message. They are great at callbacks. Send your card into the legislative assembly. They will usually come out in person or send a response. Be clean and well groomed. Make the best impression you can. Be interested in your legislator’s political activity. Ask for their newsletter if they have one. Be honest and truthful. The deceitful lobbyist is always discovered and never has creditability again. Be cooperative with the lawmakers staff. They help draft policy and thus can be most helpful. Be relaxed on party alignments. There are a lot of great people on both sides of the aisle. Be willing and available to go to Capitol Hill and make a contact or give testimony before a committee sometimes on short notice. Be brief and well organized. Be involved in community affairs where you may often help or hurt your legislator. Be tactful. Don’t become an unwanted pest. Be sincere. If not, they will know. Readers may wish to consult the following books at their libraries: 1, How you can influence Congress by George Alderson, EP., Dutton, New York. 2. How to be heard making the media work for you by Ted Klein, MacMillian Publishing Co., New York.
Congresswoman Lynn Martin of Ilinois best expressed it when. she said that, “All interests are special interests and there is nothing wrong with that. If you don’t get involved, you get what you deserve”. I am also enclosing lists of US. Senators, Representatives and President Bush’s Cabinet.
Yours Sincerely,
Karanjit S. Kooner, M.D. Assistant Professor of OphthaImology
Glaucoma Service
(214) 6884733
Article extracted from this publication >> June 16, 1989
