I wrote my congresswoman today. And despite what Mr. Norman implies, Heather Wilson is about as diametrically opposed to my political beliefs as you can get. Nevertheless, she fascinates me.

I first met Heather Wilson when she was campaigning for her first term. She was passing out little books of the constitution in front of the Wild Oats grocery store. I have a way of being star struck when I meet popular figures so I was pretty incoherent.

Since then I have kept up a fairly constant exchange with her on the subject of Amtrak. She responds and gives me feedback. Her voting history seems to be pro-Amtrak and I like to think that I have somehow influenced her.

Congresswoman Wilson has also shown support for the restoration of the 2926 Locomotive, so I think she has been bit by the train bug (you can read about the steam locomotive on my webpage at www.freewebs.com/chucksville --- Please sign my guestbook.).

Please bear in mind that we really need to turn the screws on our congressmen more than on the senators. The House of Representatives seems to be full of people who dislike passenger trains and it would be great if you could fire off a letter to your representative, as well.

Congratulations on taking the time to write your representative. History has shown that Amtrak is a fairly non-partisan issue. Up to now, nobody treated it with more disdain than Jimmy Carter and it should be remembered that Amtrak was created during the Nixon administration.

I look forward to reading more of your postings.

Chucky

He loved to talk about his humble beginnings, in contrast with FDR, Kennedy, and "two in the Bush"; reportedly during his 1974 resignation monologue, he noted that his father was a Motorman with the Pacific Electric.

As for recent discussions about the President on this board. The opinions have educated me. My leanings are this.... I like President Bush, and there were some things I liked about President Clinton. There are some things I don't like about President Bush. There were somethings that Clinton could have avoided, and if he had, I would have liked him a whole lot. He's a personable guy. My husband is a church leader. I have learned the office of a leader is always bigger than the human that occupies it. I am enamored by the office of the President of the United States, and I try to be as supportive as I can, and make a difference my own circles. So that's where I lean! Have fun!