[Vision2020] "Do Not Call" bill passes

Dale Courtney dmcourtn@moscow.com
Mon, 29 Sep 2003 14:05:43 -0700


Scott asks: 
> On what grounds is it unconstitutional that telemarketers 
> would not be allowed to phone me at dinner time after I've 
> asked them not to do this?

Alas, it's my libertarianism coming through. 

First, by installing a phone you willingly created a portal through which
you could be contacted.   If you don't want to talk, you may hang up (or buy
screening equipment). 

Second (and more fundamental), what constitutional right does the Federal
Government have to tell a phone company who they can't call, especially when
they exempt certain types of calls?  The telemarketing companies already
have do-not-call lists, which are private solutions.

So, while I'm not for telemarketers calling in the middle of dinner, I'm
also not for the Federal Government choosing to censor who may call on the
phone. 

Best,
Dale