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A few days ago, the Senate voted down a bill that would enforce equal pay for equal work.  It's disgraceful that this is even a problem.  I've written these letters to my senators - the first to those who voted nay, the second to those who voted yea.  I'm publishing these letters, because I want you to write to your senators and these can serve as a starting point if you don't know what to write.  Feel free to alter them as long as you keep the message loud and clear.

To those who voted against:

My dear Senator,

        After discovering the results or lack thereof of the Paycheck Fairness Act, I've decided to write to you in the most tactful manner I possibly can.

       Let me begin with the fact that I'm extremely disappointed in you.  You have let down not only me, but you have let down every woman and every girl in the United States of America.  You are my Senator, and I expect respect from you, no matter where you stand on your issues and no matter where I stand on mine.

       Paycheck fairness is not an "issue."  It is an unarguable right, and I am disgusted that you pushed this right further away from me, from my mother, from my sister, from my aunt, from every woman and girl in this country.  What is so wrong about voting YES for a corporation to treat its employees fairly?  I'm sure your stance, like every other Republican's, is this:  Government should have no say in what a company does.

       Now, let me ask you this then, Senator.  Would you strip away wages?  Would you allow slavery back into the system if the companies wished to do so?  Would you be OK with children being worked to the bone?  And, the critical "issue" here is, Senator, are you all right with theft?  Because this is what it is.  That $10,000 less that I am making?  That was $10,000 that I spent to go to the SAME school to get the SAME credentials with the SAME grades as my fellow male employee.  That was $10,000 that I put forth into the system, and for what?  For $10,000 less in wages.

       There is a reason it's called paycheck fairness.  To be fair is to be just, and justice is what should drive this nation.  Not greed.  Not sexism.  Not bigotry.  Justice.

       So, Senator, what is your excuse for not championing the justice this country needs?

       With all my respect when you have shown me none,
       [your name here]

To those who voted for:

My dear Senator,

This letter is to thank you for championing women's rights and to tell you I am proud to have you as my Senator.  Despite the glum outcome of the Paycheck Fairness Act yesterday, I appreciate your vote in favor of the bill.  While the bill was still shot down, I am comforted to know that you also recognize one of the many injustices of the American workplace.  If we continue to make these injustices known and continue to work together in the fight for equality, we will win.  The only failure is not trying.

        With all my respect,
        [yournamehere]