To view this mail in a browser, copy http://links.mkt2242.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MjYyNDE1NQS2&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&j=NzQ0NTQ0MjAS1&mt=1&rt=0 into your browser. American Kennel Club Taking Command: A Publication of the AKC Government Relations Department
To make sure you continue receiving AKC emails, please add enews@akc.org mailto:enews@akc.org to your email address book. July 2009 Director’s Letter
There’s an old maxim that “All politics is local.” Conventional wisdom tells us that all the issues that politicians deal with and all the decisions they make come down to one simple formula: politicians are driven by the desire to stay in office, and where possible, to increase their influence. To stay in office, politicians must get re-elected; and to get re-elected they must be responsive to their constituents – the people who can vote for or against them at election time.
This is why your participation in the political process is crucial. Politicians are far more interested in hearing from people who live in their districts than from “outsiders,” regardless of the expertise that outsiders may be able to provide. This is why the AKC Government Relations Department focuses its advocacy efforts on assisting state- and local-level clubs and organizations http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=7&m=2624155&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzQ0NTQ0MjAS1&mt=1&rt=0 in the fight against anti-dog laws. Visit the GR web pages http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=23&m=2624155&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzQ0NTQ0MjAS1&mt=1&rt=0 for information on ways the AKC can help you in your efforts.
There are many levels at which you can participate and make a difference for responsible dog owners and breeders. Simply voting in all your elections (politicians can and do check to see who votes) gives you credibility when you contact policymakers. Volunteering on campaigns gives you an opportunity to get to know politicians personally. Also, educating the general public about responsible ownership – whether at a dog event, by visiting schools and community centers, or being active in various community events – demonstrates the commitment that purebred dog owners and breeders have to reasonable laws, responsible ownership, and ensuring their rights as a valued part of the community.
As our nation celebrates its birthday this month, let’s renew our commitment as responsible dog owners and breeders to demonstrating our good citizenship. Let’s all work together to demonstrate our support for reasonable laws that protect both the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders and the communities in which we live.
All the best,
Sheila Goffe Director of Government Relations