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INFLUENCE
POLITICAL DECISIONS |
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There are several ways for citizens in a democracy to influence public policy. The most obvious way is to vote for political representatives who support your own interests. How do you know who will support positions you care about? You need to ask them. As a national or provincial election approaches, get to know the views and record of all the candidates and their parties by writing -- don't phone or ask in person -- to ask them to explain their position on homeopathy. It's that simple. "Please explain your position on homeopathy as a health care option within the current health care situation. Thank you," and sign your name. Their replies will help you to identify candidates worthy of your vote. Just as importantly, your enquiry will alert candidates to the fact that homeopathy is a topic of interest in their constituency. At the very least, they will have to learn a bit about the subject in order to reply to your question. If writing is one of your skills, you can also influence the media's perception of homeopathy by writing letters to the editor of magazines and daily and weekly newspapers. If they have printed an article with misinformation, write back with an affirming correction. Address the specific error(s) and in layman's terms offer an accurate revision. If they have published a positive article, thank them for their accurate reporting. If it seems appropriate, you can mention that additional information is available by contacting WCHS. The media has incredible potential to sway both public opinion and government policy. Even if it's not published, a well-written letter to the editor can educate the editorial staff about homeopathy, Right now, you can let your elected representatives know of your interest in homeopathy by writing -- again, don't phone or ask in person -- for their position on homeopathy as a health care option in their riding. That's all you have to do. Write a short request, and after they reply, thank them by phone, fax, or e-mail. You only need to write two letters: one each to your federal and provincial representatives. If you are feeling especially ambitious, you can write the federal Minister of Health as well. Imagine what could happen if everyone with an interest in seeing the widespread use of homeopathy were to write just two letters within the next 24 hours -- imagine what could happen if you did. Is it worth half an hour of your time? You can contact your federal Member of Parliament by accessing the following site: www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/ Contact your
provincial representatives in:
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