How to Write A Letter to The President

[MineralMan]

If you have something you'd like to say to the President of The United States, why not write him a letter? You know: a neatly printed piece of paper containing what you want to say to him, placed in an envelope and mailed, using the USPS. A letter is the very best means of communicating with the President, and he may actually read it if it is compelling. Here's what to do:

1. Start by figuring out what you want to say. It's best to stick to a single subject. Write additional letters if you have more than one subject to address.

2. Compose your letter on your computer. Write in standard business English. Be very careful to write something that is properly presented. You remember the 5 paragraph essay. Use that format. Write without using any foul language or insults. Be polite. Be complimentary where that is appropriate. Then, get right to your subject and use direct statements, backing up your information with facts. Avoid repetitive statements and edit your letter until it is concise, direct, and clear in its content. Express your concerns, but don't make demands or give orders to the President, but rather say what you believe would be the best course of action and say why you believe that to be so. Your letter should fit neatly on a single sheet of paper, with good margins all around. Keep it short.

3. Now, proofread your letter very carefully. Use the spell checker in your word processor, but don't rely 100% on it. Check every word and make sure you haven't made any common errors in using words like its and it's. Check your punctuation. It should be simple, since you are writing in simple declarative sentences or questions. Avoid trying to seem overly intellectual, unless you actually are an intellectual. If you're uncertain, have someone else proofread your letter, too. Letters that are ungrammatical, misspelled, using improper capitalization, etc. do not ever reach the President unless you are under the age of 12.

4. When formatting your letter, use whatever business letter style you prefer. Your word processor probably has suitable business letter templates you can follow. Use simple fonts like Times New Roman or Arial and a normal font size. Avoid overuse of boldfacing and italics. Be sure to include your name and correct address. You can include your telephone number, but it is very unlikely that you will receive a call.

5. The proper salutation for a letter to the President is "Dear Mr. President:" The proper signature line is" "Sincerely yours,"

6. Print your letter on good, plain white paper or business letterhead, using the best printer you have available to you. Sign the letter neatly, using a black pen.

7. Address the envelope like this:

The President of The United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Include a proper return address on the envelope.

9. Attach a First Class Mail stamp.

10. Drop your letter off at the nearest mailbox or at a local post office.

It may or may not be read by the President, but someone on his staff will read it. If your letter is a good one, you can expect some sort of reply. It will probably be written by a staff person, but it's possible that the President will sign it if it is interesting enough. Don't expect that, however. Allow plenty of time for any reply you may receive. The President of The United States receives a great deal of mail.

[derby378]

1. Revisions to the above

If you're a Democrat, sign the letter in blue ink, not black. Remind him whom he is supposed to be working for in any way you can.

When expressing your concerns to the President, don't be afraid to be assertive. Once again, who does he work for, anyway?

Expect to receive a form letter indicating why Obama is right and you are wrong. Upon receipt, prepare a second letter on the same subject, but with stronger wording.

It might not be a good idea to include your telephone number in the letter unless the USA Patriot Act is somehow repealed.

[Bitwit1234]

2. The won't answer not matter what I haven't heard from any of those I sent

which were not bad, mind you. I asked politely for a return letter. No soap.

[MineralMan]

3. Really? I get answers to my letters. They're all staff written, of

course, but I wouldn't expect the President to personally answer my letters. There must be some difference between our letters, somehow.