In a month I will be asking for you to buy from me – but I wanted to write this now while I don’t even have a store. Speech takes so many forms – and the humble tee shirt is one of them.

We often think of political speech as being confrontational or formal, as in writing a congressman. But political speech is no different from any other speech – the whole point is to get the idea across. To let others know your views – including that congressman you didn’t vote for but who represents you nonetheless. And wearing your message is an extremely powerful way to do just exactly that – otherwise companies wouldn’t give away millions in free apparel each year. A guy wearing your company’s logo down the street is free advertising – why not advertise your own message?

And yes, we’re still letting our congressman know our position – although more indirectly. There are ways to make it more direct, however. Such as sending the congressman a tee shirt – and a polite, to the point note. He may forget the note but he will remember the tee.

Another, less costly, way is to collect sales data for a shirt with a message that conveys what you want your congressman to know – and include that information in a letter or email. This is best done in writing – but you can mention it when you call as well.

If it’s something you feel very strongly about – or an important issue – find a sponsor to pay for tee shirts to be distributed at a rally or on the congressman’s hometown square. Someplace where the media will take note of it – and all the supporters wandering around with your message emblazoned on their shirts.

Advertising is a multi-billion dollar business for a reason. It gets results because it gets attention. The lowly tee shirt is just one way to get your message out. A danged effective one – because people don’t get hysterical over baseball caps unless the message is one that resonates. MAGA hats, remember?

Okay, so use some common sense – maybe don’t wear your MAGA hat outside if your neighbor is a rabid liberal. But maybe wear a less incendiary message. Or maybe wear whatever danged hat you please – the First Amendment still means something in this country, after all. Regardless, the opposition doesn’t get worked up over ineffective messages.

So, find a message you believe in and wear it proudly. You never know, you might just start some really interesting conversations.