I received a personal reply from someone in Prime Minister Ardern's office (New Zealand)

[Mike 03]

I'm posting this because I've written hundreds and hundreds of emails to U.S. politicians over the last four years and only received automated replies every single time, often not even relevant to what I wrote about. I just melted when I received this, short as it is, because it was a response to a heartfelt thank you I wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after reading on DU that she had reached out to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to help us with COVID-19. I was incredibly grateful to be part of the world again.

It just blows my mind that someone in her office would take the time to respond to some nobody in the United States, whereas my own representatives can't be troubled to respond to my emails. Why can't we do better? Maybe this will change under Joe and Kamala.

Good morning Michael

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, many thanks for your kind
email.

I will certainly bring your email to Jacinda's attention - I know she will
appreciate reading your comments.

Kind regards, and stay safe in ######, Arizona.


Alec McLean
Office of Prime Minister
New Zealand

Authorised by Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern MP, Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160

[grumpyduck]

1. I gave up writing to our politicians

a couple of years ago when I started to receive form letters that had nothing to do with what I wrote about.

[FM123]

2. Fantastic!

I think it is great that they took the time to respond to you. Btw, I am big fan of Jacinda - she rocks!

[monmouth4]

3. I agree and hearty congratulations to you. Being nice/kind goes a long way and there are many who

do truly appreciate it.

[Mike 03]

4. She's amazing.

She takes my breath away with her compassion and kind leadership.

[rurallib]

5. Well that is sure one for the scrapbook!

First, thanks for writing to thank her. She sure deserves it.
Second, that will be one to tell the grandkids about.

[yuiyoshida]

6. I have to be careful on commenting on music videos on twitter as

sometimes the bands, will actually respond to me, especially if they know I am in The US. One band recently added me, the entire crew.. which was awesome.. Since that has happened a few more Japanese bands suddenly started adding me. I been playing some of the songs they posted.. here is one..

[Nevilledog]

7. Now that they know you, write and see if she'll let us emigrate!

[malaise]

8. Really nice

Rec

[HipChick]

9. I've gotten responses and even help from UK politicians...

Even while one was on paternity leave, since he and his wife just had a new baby...

US politicians ..not so much so...

[soldierant]

10. I get responses from my Democratic Senator -

not to everything, but then, a lot of what I send is boilerplate too.

The responses I do get are gracious and well thought out. Even if his staff is doing the writing ... well, that speak well of his choice of staff.

[Roc2020]

11. very nice. save it

as a reminder there are leaders in this world that are not above privately saying appreciate you.

[hvn_nbr_2]

12. I notice something else about the response too

The person who responded actually identified himself and didn't pretend that the prime minister was actually writing the letter or that the mechanical signature generating device was really her.

[meadowlander]

13. All part of the service