Tell Cravaack "Chip, Ahoy"

I recently wrote with begrudging admiration about the Tea Party's ability to brand themselves. The symbolism of a tea bag works on multiple levels: it combines history, patriotism (the American Revolution), the modern-day tax anathema, and cost efficiency (it's easy to stick in an envelope and mail to voice your displeasure).

Here's an idea to voice your displeasure with Tea Party Republican Chip Cravaack, who represents Minnesota's U.S. House District.

Chips Ahoy® is a registered trademark of Nabisco®,
which is a brand of Kraft Foods. 

Buy a snack pack of Nabisco® Chips Ahoy!® Chocolate Chip Cookies, available at any convenience store or vending machine. It'll run you a buck and change. Stick the packet in one of those padded mailers for sending audiocassettes. And send to this address:

Congressman Chip Cravaack
508 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

According to answers.com, "ahoy" is a nautical word that sailors use to hail passing ships. It can mean "hey" or "look around you." A package of Chips Ahoy cookies sent to Chip Cravaack would send the message, "Hey, Chip! Look out, because we're not going to be so complacent this year. You're a ship passing through the U.S. House."

Chip Cravaack pulled off the upset of 2008 when he defeated longtime Democratic representative Jim Oberstar. Since then, Cravaack has come under fire for not being responsive to constituents and enjoying union benefits while trying to deny benefits to others. 

The cookies might get thrown away. But if Cravaack's office gets inundated with hundreds or thousands of packets of cookies, Cravaack's people may try to turn a negative into a positive: like donating the cookies to a D.C. daycare center. That's okay, because the kids will get a treat, even if Cravaack gets the credit. But he'll be duly put on notice. Especially if you write on the back of the mailer, "Chip, Ahoy! Watch out for November!"


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