Companies asking their employees to contact members of Congress to assert their views isn’t new.  Here is a post about United Healthcare’s request that its employees contact members of Congress or write letters to the editor against a public option, among other related points.

The message sent to all employees also says: “It is important that we, as members of the health care industry and as individuals, make our voices heard on this important issue. Therefore, we encourage you to actively participate in this debate as both industry voices as well as individuals. Please take action by writing a letter to your elected officials in Washington.”

The instructions and template letters the company allegedly provided to employees are available here.

The instructions provide:

Please note that all activity is voluntary and you may express any position you may have. While we look forward to your participation in this important debate, we remind you that you are communicating your unique messages and personal perspective as individuals, not on behalf of the company.

. . .

Please note that all activity is voluntary, and you may express any opinion you may have. While we look forward to your participation in this important debate, we remind you that you are communicating as individuals, not on behalf of the company, with unique messages and personal perspective.