Since telemarketing is one of my major pet peeves, I thought I’d throw in my two cents worth regarding the recent political issue of the National Do Not Call Registry. I find it interesting and frustrating that this is 2003, and we’re just now addressing these annoying telemarketing companies who call us at all hours of the day and week.

As soon as I heard about this registry on the news a few months ago, I instantly had my number added to the list and e-mailed as many people as I could think of and encouraged them to do the same.

I agree with one point in the Iowa State Daily’s Oct. 1 editorial, “Registry violates free speech rights” — the registry should also include not just national marketing firms, but local charities, political institutions/campaigns, etc. Credit card companies that you already conduct business with, for example, and other similar institutions should only call you for verification purposes and the like, instead of trying to push more services and giving your information to third parties without your permission.

To the companies, interest groups and other people opposed to the National Do Not Call Registry, I ask you: What’s the difference between putting up a sign on your door saying “No Soliciting” and doing essentially the same thing on your telephone? And the “control” of caller ID doesn’t always work, depending on what model you get.

For those saying it will take jobs away from people, I say find another job! Who doesn’t get annoyed by these calls? If you’re honestly worried about the job market, I agree with a comment made earlier this week in an opinion letter that said any time there’s a change in people’s rights, for better or for worse, there will always be a shift in the job market. I could be wrong, but I think the loss would be negligible. Besides, even if it’s not, I think we could all live with it if it gave us a little peace and quiet at dinner time or while watching TV or studying.

Justin Brockshus

Senior

Political Science