I am a resident of NJ and called Senator Lautenburg's office today at about
5:30. The person asking the phone was a young man named Joseph. I asked to speak with a senior staff member. When Joseph asked, I told him the subject was about Rocketry. He said the staff member handling that issue was unavailable because he was in with the Senator at the moment. Joseph said he could help me.I went on to say that I was greatly upset at the Senator's statement and felt in was factually untrue. I said I was more interested in understanding the rationale behind the decision and the process that led up to it. Joseph said they felt terrorist could acquire rocket motors and do "bad things" (actual words). Joseph couldn't say what "bad things" but was certain terrorist would do them.
I then asked more about the process that led to their decision: what facts where used, where they got information from, who they talked to, etc. Joseph couldn't say. I felt I was entitled to this information. Joseph said we could have a staff member return my call. Unfortunately I had family obligation and would be available only until 6:15. Still I left my phone number.
Joseph, not the senior staff member, called back in about 15 minutes. Joseph said they got their information from the AFT and DOJ. Apparently there was little consideration from letters sent by constituents. I then asked if they were in DC to represent the AFT. Joseph said no, they were there to represent the State of New Jersey. I correct Joseph telling him they are there to represent the PEOPLE of the State of New Jersey!
As our conversation went on it was pretty clear Joseph was clueless.
I asked what happens next, after we say goodbye. Joseph said he would pay the information to the senior staffer; his name is Mike Hughes. Hughes would then decide whether or not to pads it to the senator. I questioned whether this isn't a conflict of interest, Hughes would be reluctant to admit he screwed up. I asked to whom Hughes reports; who's his boss. He reports to the Senator himself or his Chief of Staff. I left my contact information (phone and Email) and the URL's to TRA and NAR websites.
I plan to call back and asked to speak to Mike Hughes, then eventually to the COS.
I strongly encourage my fellow NJ rocketeers to CALL Lautenburg; don't write or FAX. The number is (202) 224-3224. Ask to specifically for Hughes or higher level official. Pound them on their decision making process and their reliance on a single point-of-view. Be polite, but be forceful. Don't be ignored.
NY rocketeers should do similar.
...Fred