glenn mcdonald is the former author of the "Internet-famous" weekly music column "The War Against Silence." Although he hung up the column last year after 500 consecutive installments, he's back for an encore that is well worth reading.

Dearest Industry,
I write today in what began,...

Claire Miller, an Oregon teacher who is participating in the HR 550 lobby effort, canvassed the Oregon House delegation and reports an 80% favorable response. Representatives David Wu, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Darlene Hooley all indicated support for the bill and for the need for...

Ed Davis from Common Cause has posted a good blog entry about today's HR 550 media coverage which is followed by comments from participants in the last two days' lobbying activities. Check it out here.
Click here to tell your member of Congress to support HR...

Constituent lobbyists Joannie Ashbrook and Jennie Woodard report a familiar mix of responses from HR 550 House visits. Rep. Gene Green's (D-TX) staffers were very receptive and indicated that he would likely vote for the bill, despite the fact that he is also a co-sponsor of HR 278,...

Congressman Holt addressing HR 550 Lobby Days attendees at Thursday's Capitol Hill reception.

As expected, citizen lobbyists today encountered a range of responses, both positive and negative, to their efforts to push for the passage of HR 550. Mark Fresolone, a NJ activist, thinks that the lobbying effort is making headway but also that political maneuvering and misinformation continue to slow progress.
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How does one become a voting lobbyist? Enthusiastic activists from 26 states are just now finishing up three hours of training from event coordinators that included a briefing on HR 550 and similar Senate legislation, a run-down on how to conduct a successful and effective meeting with Congressional staff, media...