Greta Christina's Blog discussed why calling, emailing, writing your public officials is not a waste of time and, in fact, essential. It's so long, but good, I've created a pdf of it and it is attached HERE.
But don't be a nihilist. Don't give up. People fought and died for the idea of participatory democracy: not just in the United States, but all over the world. In many parts of the world, they're still fighting and dying for it. You're lucky. You don't have to fight and die to keep this idea alive. You just have to call or email your elected officials. You just have to program the phone numbers of the President, your Senators, and your Congressperson into your phone. Or else Google the "contact the President/ your Senators/ your Congressperson" webpages, and bookmark them.
[Her article provides links to find addresses, phone numbers and emails]
