"... soon or late, it is ideas, not vested interests, which are dangerous for good or evil"

I am sure that the power of vested interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual encroachment of ideas. Not, indeed, immediately, but after a certain interval; for in the field of economic and political philosophy there are not many who are influenced by new theories after they are twenty-five or thirty years of age, so that the ideas which civil servants and politicians and even agitators apply to current events are not likely to be the newest. But, soon or late, it is ideas, not vested interests, which are dangerous for good or evil.

- J.M. Keynes, TGT, Chapter 24

The power of ideas. You would think so, wouldn't you?

Reading over this morning's post, I thought: The one person who needs to read this is Representative Hensarling of Texas. Figured I'd send a link. I don't expect him to read it, but maybe an underling. Maybe, by chance, my idea would click with somebody who could present it to Hensarling in a way that makes sense to him. What the hell.

It was easy to find Hensarling on the internet. I clicked CONTACT and got the "Step One" page:

"I am unable to reply to any email from constituents outside of the district"

First time I read it, I read as far as Regrettably, I am unable... and said dammit and gave up. But I went back to the Step One page a few minutes later, because I really think he needs to consider my idea. I read a little more this time:

I am unable to reply to any email from constituents outside of the district.

Oh! I can live with that. I don't want a reply from the guy. I want to share an idea with his idea people, that's all. No problem.

Ho, hum. I dutifully filled in my five-digit zip code, then looked around till I found my "+4 extension" and entered that, too. Then I clicked Go To Next Step. Gee, they make it so simple!

Here's what I got next:

"I am only able to accept messages from residents of the 5th District."

Soon or late, it is ideas that matter. I guess. But not today.