I’m not sure I understand the argument that a national “do not call” registry violates the right to free speech of the telemarketers – mostly because it’s not free.
If a telemarketer wishes to stand on public property and voice his opinion that I should take a cruise to the Bahamas, or buy a magazine subscription, or change my long distance company, well… that’s fine. I support that, and in fact might find it amusing.
But when they make bells ring in my house, using my resources to force their messages upon me, using a telephone line which I pay for, well, how is that free speech? Wouldn’t most people make the assumption that part of free speech is the freedom to not listen to it?
That is exactly the point, albeit my version was less eloquent, that I made to my sister regarding the whole thing.
I will be pointing her over here to see for herself. Thanks.
I’m with you — I don’t understand how it doesn’t violate my freedom to have these assholes calling me when I have asked them not to.
Gene,
This is just one more example of the will of the People being completely ignored. Millions of people signed up for this thing. I thought that if the majority ruled, the majority won. But then we should know better after the last presidential election, right?
P.S. I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I AM NOW AMONG THE EMPLOYED!!!!!! hopefully it’ll last.
Well, one important thing about our country – usually – is that the majority doesn’t always get to win. That’s why we are a nation of laws.
The majority of Americans still think that interracial marriage should be outlawed. That doesn’t mean they’re right.
The thing about this case is – and I agree with the last judicial ruling – that the do not call list is being applied unfairly. It should apply to ALL unsolicited calls, including charities and the like. It’s silly to think that if I don’t wish to receive unsolicited calls, that I won’t be annoyed if they’re from a charity. After all, most of the calls I get are from so-called “charities” wanting me to donate a car or something. So, eliminate those calls as well.
Come on, “The majority of Americans still think that interracial marriage should be outlawed”?
I’d love to see the research behind that one.
But don’t call me to get my opinion, I prefer email or soapbox in the park…
Hmm.
“The majority of Americans still think that interracial marriage should be outlawed”?
I’d like to see the research, too – in fact, I just threw that shocking tidbit in there after I read it somewhere in some article about gay marriage. I don’t know the source of that poll data, though.
If this was a newspaper or some other journalisic outlet, I’d never be able to use that statistic. But it’s just an over-opinionated blog.