Signing a petition is better than nothing is. As a former federal employee who had to sometimes deal with logging "votes", they ALL must be counted. Sign the petition as a quick answer then send your own letter. Form letters, faxes, phone calls, snail mail, and e-mail all count. The mo', the better.

The government is all about numbers of people responding. For example, a recent government proposal was halted partially because they got a "bazillion form letters" that had to be logged in. The response got the people to realize what they were proposing would not pass because of the overwhelming opposition. The form letters likely had the same wording but each one had to be documented and counted.

At least do something and please do not discourage others from signing petitions.