Last Friday I was invited to dinner with President Bush.
An assistant for Congressman Tom Cole called and left me a message, saying that Congressman Cole, head of the Business Advisory Council and Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, wanted me to join him June 13 at a dinner in honor of President Bush.
Curious, I returned the call to Congressman Cole’s office. This sounded too good to be true, but I knew I would regret not calling, just in case I missed a terrific opportunity.
The assistant informed me that Congressman Cole wanted me, as a small business owner, to join the Business Advisory Council so that Congress could hear my opinions on current legislation and policies. Well, this is interesting, I thought. I have been a business owner only for a few months, and I don’t have many opinions yet, but I like the idea of having input in my government.
Next I was informed by Congressman Cole’s assistant that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is sponsoring evil tax bills that will be terrible for small businesses (please note tongue-in-cheek). Small business owners are joining with the Business Advisory Council in sponsoring a full-page ad in the New York Times to speak out against this legislation, and the congressman wanted MY NAME to be in the ad. He thought that my name in the ad really would speak to the small business owners of Tennessee (nevermind that only 5 or so have heard of me, since I haven’t started advertising yet).
The assistant wanted to know — would I be able to donate $500-$700 toward this ad? I chuckled inwardly. I’m a small business owner! Why would I have that much money to spare?
“No, I’m sorry, I don’t have that kind of money available right now.”
“Oh, well, we understand that is quite an investment for some small businesses. Would you have perhaps $200-$300 to contribute?
“No.”
“Alright, well, thank you for your time. Also, I want to let you know that this phone call was paid for by the National Republican Congressional Committee and was not funded by tax dollars.”
End of conversation.
So, after I refused to contribute money to the New York Times ad, there was no further mention of joining the Business Advisory Council or having dinner with President Bush. Apparently, if I don’t want to support their opinions on tax legislation, or if I don’t have the money to contribute to an ad, the Republicans in Congress don’t want to hear from me.
Thoughts:
1. I’m an independent/moderate voter who is not tied to a particular party. The Republican party just lost some of the votes I might have given them, because — based on this experience — they seem to be interested only in RICH small business owners.
2. Where did they get my information? Because of various legal requirements and educational opportunities, I have registered with the IRS, the Small Business Administration, and the State of Tennessee. Which one handed my information to the Republican Party?
3. If the Business Advisory Council only wants to hear from people who support their opinions, that’s not much of an advisory council, is it? It’s like a club of yes-men (and women).
4. Don’t they at least have an e-mail list or something I can join that will make me feel like my voice is being heard, even if nobody is listening? Sheesh. That’s bad marketing.
Oi, achei teu blog pelo google tá bem interessante gostei desse post. Quando der dá uma passada pelo meu blog, é sobre camisetas personalizadas, mostra passo a passo como criar uma camiseta personalizada bem maneira. Até mais.
Your blog was interesting and very typical…….the first comment was even more interesting?????
Dad
Nice.
You’ve been comment spammed.
Translation (Portuguese):
“Oi, I found yours blog for google tá well interesting I liked this post. When to give gives passed for mine blog, is on personalized t-shirts, shows step by step as to create a well personalized t-shirt way. Until more.”
With links to a site advertising the wonders of iron on t-shirt patterns.
Yeah, I decided to leave the spam. Having a comment in Portuguese is kinda fun. Plus it is a little bit relevant, since part of my business involves designer t-shirts.
Just got the same call. This time, it’s going to be an ad in the Wall Street Journal. $500 – $700 and can attend a dinner with the Pres.
Also wanted to prevent rolling back the 398 Billion tax cut. The lady said that Dem’s are trying to pass Card Check which makes public the votes of people, when voting to unionize. She said that was not the American way.