Dennis Mummert wrote in a message to L P:
 DM> My question concerned the efficacy AND the safety of emailing govt.
 DM> officials.
The efficacy depends on how seriously a particular person takes
email.  Email is generally considered to be relatively informal.
To me, it is as good as and much more convenient than dealing
with snail mail.  But, in the world of formality and "manners",
I believe that hard copy is at the top of the list, with a letter
enclosed in an envelope being the most "respectful" and
respectable.  So, if you want to be as sure as possible of being
taken seriously, write a letter and send it by way of the post
office, or better yet -- Fed Ex.  On the other hand, if you know
that the person in question *likes* email, send email.  For me,
I have sent email to the president, since the mail to him just
gets tallied anyway, and I fax to my senators and representative
since this is more convenient and cheaper than snail mail and seems
to get as much attention as anything from them.  But, if it ends
up making the difference of your sending it by email or not
sending it by snail mail because of the extra work -- send the
email.
Safety?
Bests,
L P
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