but How do you go about contacting your congressman for the passes for the White House? Hell I don't even know who my congressman is.

Jenna, ask a knowledgable neighbor!!!

Two basic sources:

1. your telephone book is supposed to provide this information in the "blue pages" -- and will give addresses of their offices in your state and on Capitol Hill.

2. www.senate.gov and www.house.gov

Note that you get passes from their staff, so you don't have to contact them personally. However, sounds like both Jenna and Marie could use -- and might actually enjoy -- direct contact with your Rep. or Senators. It's actually pretty exciting to find their offices on the Hill when you're there and go and introduce yourself. The staffs are usually very eager to talk to constituents, and depending on how much your Representative or Senator thinks of himself/herself and how busy he/she is, you can sometimes actually meet them -- if you have any "issues" relating to your district, it's a good time to mention them.

But mainly, it's fun to see how the office buildings look, how they're laid out, how the staffs work, etc. etc. etc.

I recommend it.

You're correct, that is a STUPID question. You don't know who your congressman is? What a clod!

Jenna is far from being the only person in her country who doesn't know ....

but Smitty, just what in heck did you expect to accomplish with that useless post?

Did you mean to have people refrain from answering her? Or should they preface their information with something like "you should know this, you ignorant clod, but here's the info..."?

Jenna -- do what "Citizen" suggests. You'll enjoy it.

Jenna's question is a clear example of the reason democracy won't work. Her vote counts the same as that of an intelligent, informed person.

But she's no worse than the homeless people the Gore Team was paying to vote for BigAl!!!!
Bribing them with cigarettes no less...doing their part to support 'big tobacco'.

My last msg was written in haste. Come to think about it, she must not vote, or she would know her congress person.

Good grief, there are some very nasty people on this site today (and not just on this thread)!

Jenna did, after all, acknowledge it was a "stupid" question and knew it would probably draw fire. But at least she's asking.

Back off. Back down. Take your political and social axes somewhere else to grind. She asked. At least someone answered her, which is -- in theory -- the process of educating an electorate.

All you're managing to do is increase the incivility and overheated rhetoric that seems to have infected political discussion -- partisanship uber alles.

If I were Jenna, it would hardly be an incentive to develop civic awareness.

Jenna:
We are waiting for the airport shuttle to take us away for a couple of weeks and I found your GREAT question. I am writing quick and listenig for the horn to honk, so bear with...

a) Contact your League of Women Voters chapter in your city; That way you can contact your CONGRESSIONAL REP. who could be a WOMAN.
(That is a friendly loud voice.)

b) You will also find other great people who serve you in WA.D.C. that you may also want to contact.

c) Because you are learning, while you travel, like some of us mortals, you will find a better way to get those passes and you will learn that not all White House passes are equal.(wink)

d) Enjoy DC, I did as an Intern many years ago (wink). For the cynics:This is TRUE.

PEACE
Have fun doing your research.

I used to work on Capitol Hill. Be advised that you need to contact either your congressperson or senator at least 3 months in advance for tickets. If you call the office, just ask for the person who handles White House passes. It's usually the receptionist or scheduler. Congressional offices only get about 10 tickets per week which is why you need to call so early. You need to contact the Washington office and not the district one. Another thing you may want to do is see if someone in the office can give you a tour of the Capitol. It's better and a bit more personal than the regular tours. Personally, I don't think it is very exciting to meet a member of Congress, but I guess I am jaded from dealing with them all the time. But, you may want to see if you can get a few minutes with him or her and a picture. Your best bet for that is Tuesday through Thursday. Friday and Mondays they generally are back in the District.

Ilisa, Oaktown, and Citizen: Thanks for your information -- helpful, interesting.

Smitty, Charles, and Joe: Had it not been for this "stupid" question, we wouldn't have all the information that Ilisa, Oaktown, and Citizen offered, much of which I didn't know, even though I do know my Rep's name. That's what the forum's for.

Jenna,

Ignore the nasty posters. You've shown an interest in visting DC and learning more about our government. Now you'll know who your Senator & Representative are -- that's the important thing. Washington is a great city, I lived there for 6 years. I hope you have a good time.

You can visit this link http://dir.yahoo.com/Government/U_S_...tors/By_State/ to find out the Senators for your state. I was able to request White House passes online through one of my Senator's web site (I live in VT). You might be able to do the same.

Have a great time!

I can't believe that Jenna doesn't even know who her representatives are. IMO, there is NO EXCUSE for not being an informed citizen and Jenna is totally irresponsible. People like her should move to a foreign country where they don't have ANY RIGHTS. With freedom come responsibility Jenna--so get your act together.

Jenna: Before some of the knuckleheads in this thread get together and revoke your citizenship, I should mention that I know who my congressman is and have met and talked with him several times. Based on those experiences, I can say that the difference between us is that I wish I didn't know who he is.

P.S. The annual meeting of the Citizenship Committee and the Society for Pointless Replies will be in the same place. Apparently, there's a lot of overlap between the two.

Take a deep breath, Fuming. Assuming Jenna is actually old enough to vote, she's inquiring -- her mind seems to be open and she's willing to acknowledge deficiency. And you?

Less than half the people in this country even voted in the last election. I admit it would make traffic much more pleasant if they all moved away -- but tell me, quick, who represents _you_ on your local town or city council, and yout state legislature? They affect your life at least as much as those on Capitol Hill.

Now, could you pass a current events quiz and tell me how your representatives voted on the last 5 bills? What about events in Gaza, which could affect your gas prices -- and would even be able to explain why? What about changes in the Japanese government -- in what direction is it going, and how will this affect US policy?

Check to see how much of your house is made of glass before you start fragging people asking questions.

Knowing the name of your legislator does not necessarily make you an informed citizen. It just means you know his or her name. Most people who rant and rave like Fuming did don't even know how a bill becomes a law.

Well, Jenna would no doubt know the name of her Congressperson had they put the touch on her for money ... but then they spend time with the interest groups, etc., not the average citizen. And no, I imagine most people don't know how a bill becomes law ... quite understandable, silly ... most people don't contibute the kind of money it takes to grease the skids and get action on a bill. Most people don't know you can do that. And most peole think (correct, probably) the only thing their Rep. does for them is get WH tickets.

Very well said, JacobJ.
Having the interest to learn more puts Jenna in the top 25% of 'responsible' citizens in this country IMO.

Hey "Fuming", take a laxative and go flagellate somewhere else. There's no call for or utility in such hostility.
You make Roseanne (Barr) look like Mother Teresa

Hey Ilisa-Shove it where the sun don't shine. I am sick and tired of your snooty attitude around here and your put downs of everyone who doesn't meet your high standards.

And Tom-Fuming is entitled to his opinion. You are the one with the problem.