E-mail Communication Generates Access, Also Can Cause Misinformation

E-mail Communication Generates Access, Also Can Cause Misinformation
June 13, 2004

Washington, D.C.- The use of e-mail has transformed how we communicate with each other, whether it be for e-business, or to catch up with friends and family. Likewise, in my ten years as a Member of Congress, I've seen constituent e-mails go from a rare anomaly to my primary source of input from citizens.
What makes e-mail so handy - the speed and ease with which they can be sent - also makes it a easy vehicle of misinformation. Rumors and untrue stories can be forwarded to dozens of acquaintances with the click of a mouse. I would equate it to having everybody in town at the barbershop at the same time.
As a result, I receive the same untrue emails hundreds of times a year from concerned constituents who mistakenly believe these missives and forward them on to others. I'd like to set the record straight on a few of the most popular false e-mails.
E-mail Tax - False
I've received literally hundreds of e-mails and letters from concerned web users based on an "urban legend" e-mail stating a "Congressman Schnell" has introduced a bill to establish a 5-cent surcharge on each e-mail message delivered over the internet. The money would be collected by the internet service providers and turned over to the postal service, who needs it to offset the lack of use of regular mail.
There is no proposed bill to create an e-mail tax. In fact, there is no Representative Schnell in Congress. Sadly, this rumor probably prevents any future Schnells, if they are out there, from ever being elected to public office! Someone with a bit too much time on their hands thought this would be a funny hoax to play on unsuspecting e-mail users, because a similar e-mail circulated recently in Canada.
FCC Approves Use of 'That Word' on Broadcast TV - False
One e-mail canard suggests that the FCC has approved the use of a certain very profane four-letter word for use on any TV or radio broadcast, day or night. As a father of three, I know the last thing parents need is an additional eroding of decency standards in our television and radio programming. This is the kind of message that can make your blood boil, but I can assure you that the FCC has done no such thing.

The issue arose after an incident at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, in which a recipient used the word unexpectedly during the live broadcast of the event. Some stations airing the broadcast were not able to bleep the word, and so it aired in some locations. Inexplicably, the FCC's Enforcement Bureau ruled the situation as a fleeting and isolated incident and decided not to fine the stations.
I strongly disagree with the FCC's decision, and support efforts to overturn it. But it's important to note that the commission's ruling is not a policy change regarding the use of profanity. Thankfully "that word" is still not allowed on broadcast television.

Members of Congress Exempt From Social Security - False
Another widely circulated e-mail claims Members of Congress are exempted from paying into the Social Security system and enjoy full congressional pay for life. I can assure you this is false.
The e-mail states that Senators and Members of Congress don't pay into Social Security, or collect from it. Not true. Since being elected 10 years ago, all of my pay has been subject to Social Security taxes. In fact, like all other workers covered by Social Security, Members of Congress have Social Security taxes withheld from their paychecks, and are subject to the same benefit eligibility and payment formulas as other Social Security beneficiaries.

Also, Members do not receive their full pay for life. When Members of Congress retire, resign or are not reelected, they no longer receive a salary. However, if they are eligible they may receive a retirement annuity like other federal employees. Annuities are calculated by a formula based on age and years of service, and like other federal retirees, their retirement annuities are much less than the salary they received while in office.

While e-mail has become a fantastic communication tool for me and my constituents, it is also a tool that can be misused by those that would like to spread confusion. Keep in mind a healthy skepticism is a good thing when it comes to e-mail communication, and if you receive any of these e-mails, the button to push isn't "forward," it's "delete."