Barney Frank: Lobby your legislators instead of marching

While I'm not going to say I agree with Congressman Frank with respect to writing and calling rather than marching, I will definitely back him in saying that right now those letters, calls, and emails are important.

But Frank said the real problem is gathering enough votes in the House and Senate to win passage of anti-discrimination legislation.

Gay rights advocates should borrow from the playbooks of the two most effective interest groups, the National Rifle Association and the AARP, said Frank.

"Call or write your representative or senator, and then have your friends call and write their representative or senator," Frank said. "That's what the NRA does. That's what the AARP does."

Money matters in politics, but the folks in Washington still need to get re-elected, and that still comes down to us. So... let your legislators know where you stand on:

• Passing real healthcare reform
• Ending Don't Ask Don't Tell
• Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act
• Climate change and energy policy
• Whatever matters to you (just try and agree with me, okay? ;-)

Your voice does matter. Contact your Senators here and your Congressfolk here.