You Can Call Your Rep About Ben Carson

Dr. Ben Carson finally accepted the position of Housing and Urban Development secretary early Monday, but the will-he-won't-he over the appointment had social media reacting to his consideration of the role at all. Users' expressions ranged from weariness to joy about President-elect Donald Trump's offer to appoint Carson to this role, but most sounded a lot like this: "I really thought we were done with Ben Carson months ago," tweeted @_taryn_nicole. If you're as done with Carson as social media is, you can call your representative to demand a better option.

Social media also reacted to Trump's tweet about why Carson should be HUD secretary: "I'm seriously considering considering Dr. Ben Carson as the head of HUD," Trump tweeted. "I've gotten to know him well — he's a greatly talented person who loves people!" Twitter user Anton Newcombe reacted to Trump's tweet by replying, "I wish you would take a long walk off a short pier."

It's unclear why Carson would consider the position after he reportedly declined Trump's offer of a cabinet position as secretary of Health and Human Services on Nov. 15 because he lacks experience. He made a statement on his official Facebook page, saying, "After serious discussions with the Trump transition team, I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly to making our inner cities great for everyone." Per The Hill, he also said he would "be thinking and praying about it over the Thanksgiving holiday."

You don't need to think and pray over Carson's possible appointment for long. Instead, you can contact your local representative and let them know Carson isn't qualified to be HUD secretary. You'll be able to find your representative on the United States House of Representatives website by zip code or via the directory.

Better yet, go directly to the Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Staff Directory and call one or all of the staff members there. Leave a voicemail or talk with one of their assistants if you can't reach them directly. Make them aware that you are watching their actions closely. Encourage your friends to flood their mailboxes as well with the following message:

Hello, my name is [your name here] and I'm urging you to oppose Dr. Ben Carson's appointment to HUD secretary if he accepts the position. I'm hoping you can amplify my voice and the voices of others. We deserve a qualified person to lead the agency. Carson is not that person, especially since he declined a previous federal agency position due to his lack of experience.

Although calling your representative may not prevent Carson from being removed as head of the department, it will at least show them you're paying attention to what happens next.