Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Congressman Getting Mail" Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 15c Letters Shape Opinions stamp issued February 25, 1980. The Congressman sits back in his chair, smiling as his secretary stacks more boxes of letters near his desk. From the general tone of the letters he has read so far, his stand was the right one to take. And, although many of his fellow Congressmen oppose the issue, he now has the full support of his constituency and can point to their letters as further proof that the reform bill is indeed a good one. He has felt strongly about this particular bill from the very beginning and, although he knew his stand could have been unwise politically, he courageously took his case to the people. In a press conference the week before, he had explained the new reform bill as best he could and asked for feedback from his home state. He also had expressed his own strong views on the subject, but stated he would change his vote if the people so commanded. Several days later, the letters came pouring in. The voters did not let him down. Some suggested changes, a few that might well be incorporated into the final bill, and some might be offered as compromises if objections got too strong. But he is more than pleased to see that most of the letters agreed with his stand and respected him for having taken it. Some letter writers even sent facts and figures that will certainly be useful in making his case even stronger, should the need arise. As he sits back in his chair again, he is gratified to know that the people are still behind him. Image Size: 14.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 12 in. Unframed. (B06032)