Was not able to reply to Doug's message on writing members of congress, etc, in regard to the U.S. Customs proposed rule on assisted-opening knives, so am replying here. I looked at the knife organization's instructions and the addressing could be simpler.

First of all, you can locate the names, specific office address and telephone numbers of your Senators at: www.senate.gov

House members at: www.house.gov

Both Senators and arguably all House members in your state are worth contacting by snail-mail, e-mail and telephone. Most House members have aspirations to win statewide office someday so they listen to voters outside their congressional district. And redistricting is coming up after the 2010 census so they have extra need to be attentive now.

You don't need the specific office number but it's helpful.

Your letters will get to them if you simply address them in the following manner:

The Honorable ______________________
United State Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable ______________________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

It's also worth calling them. If Rush Limbaugh mentioned this on his show, their phones would lock up.

The U.S. Capitol Switchboard telephone number is: 202.224.3121

The operator will put you through to the office of any member you ask them to.

Some key folks in the Senate have already been made aware of this emerging issue....