This morning, like many eBay-ers, I received an eMail from Ms. Meg Whitman, President & CEO of eBay. Ms. Whitman used an email to advocate eBay’s viewpoint on the current congressional debate about a “two-tier” internet that could ultimately give the largest companies preferential access to the highest speeds on the net. Ms. Whitman’s use of email advocacy brought to mind our own efforts to give Devereux stakeholders a way to communicate to their representatives about critical issues related to mental health and developmental disabilities.

Over the past year, however, many of our representatives have responded to the growing use of emails with what’s often called a “logic puzzle.” This logic puzzle adds a step that requires human interaction e.g., “what is the sum of 4+3” and is intended to prevent automated use of emails even though such communications are purposely sent by each individual to express their own position or in support of an organization’s position.

We appreciate the problems that the growing frequency of emails may cause our legislators, but we stand behind our stakeholders’ rights to communicate as a united group(s). Grassroots coalitions are often the most effective voice to address issues like Medicaid, improved schools, access to appropriate services, and the rights of individuals with mental health and developmental challenges. Finding that voice through prudent emails and the internet just makes a lot of sense.