Who’s copied on an email can be as important as the content of the message.

                 A House staffer sent me his evaluation of the amendments to a bill that I’m very interested in. 

                 A Senate staffer was also copied on the message. 

                  I asked the House staffer the significance.  As I thought, the Senate staffer’s boss was interested in seeing the bill pass. 

                   Welcome aboard. 

 — 

             Speaking of being cc:’d…

             A tough letter can contain an olive branch.

             Over the years, I have been copied on such letters.  Respond to the positive offer, I always advise the person to whom it was addressed. 

             There is historical precedent for this. 

             During the Cuban missile crisis, Khrushchev sent two cables to President Kennedy.  One was belligerent, the other was conciliatory.  JFK responded to the latter, and a deal was struck.

 February 28