Mine is a Republican, too, but I’m not as hopeful — Chris Smith (NJ), who also happens to be chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa (and often gives his blessing to many nutty foreign aid programs), has been silent the past couple of times I’ve reached out to him. Not even a “thanks, dear constituent” form letter in response to my questions and complaints, particularly about USAID. On the other hand, perhaps this should signal me to step up efforts, not to take a defeatist attitude.
Additionally, here’s an ironic twist: after going $70,000 in debt to become a teacher and remaining short of a master’s degree, I once again face unemployment in a month (the temp maternity leave position I’ve filled for six months is about to be filled by someone apparently with better connections than I have). So, no work, no money to pay my student loans, and what few federal taxes I’ll be paying I shall continue to help the Indonesians get through grad school! Sick!
One more thought on that note: as I am facing unemployment at this (unnamed)high school, I think I’ll go out with a bang and not a whimper — my students, who are furious about this program as well, have no clue how they will pay for college. Here’s a chance to legitimately encourage some civil action by the younger generation. Seriously. I think I’ll be creating a formal letter-writing lesson into plans into the next couple of weeks, with a little local media publicity (maybe) to boot.
Why not teach your kids activism. I’m in Wisconsin, teachers have been doing plenty of it, and this is a real bread and butter future issue.
Good luck with your position, its such a tough time. I’m kind of an expert in ‘LinkedIn’ job seeking so if you want some pointers let me know via personal message.