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4/13/2007 Robocalls - The Scourge of Society! By Rick Sense The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com. Robocalls-those annoying pre-recorded messages that we all receive the last few days before an election are under attack by one of the Madison Area’s leading socialist apologists, Representative Spencer Black. Rep. Black wants legislation that would ban these calls because he believes that society can’t figure out how to deal with these calls on its own. So in steps the government - minus cape - to save the day, just in the nick of time. Have no fear Spencer Black is here! What have we come to here in the United States? Two hundred and thirty-one years since the Declaration of Independence, where the founders were willing to risk their very lives in the pursuit of freedom, we now have leaders willing to overturn the freedom of speech because of an annoying phone call? For centuries people have fought and died for the freedom of political speech. In our lifetimes we need only think of Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, Pol Pot and Saddam Hussein to be reminded of those they tortured and/or killed because those persecuted expressed a political viewpoint that was different than theirs. Because of inconvenience, is it now safe to sacrifice freedom of speech? It is interesting that the obvious challenge to the freedom of speech this proposed legislation raises is completely ignored by its author and supporters, while “tweaks” under the Patriot Act, created to protect American lives, are quickly condemned because many of these same people believe the TEMPORARY (see Lincoln and the Civil War) limit to our freedoms is of greater concern than the lives of our citizens. In fact this piece of legislation only raises questions and here’s some more. Why this “reform” but not Voter ID? Why this “reform” while pay-to-play is ignored? Why this “reform” after the horrendous impact on the process by McCain-Feingold? Aren’t there more PRESSING ISSUES to deal with? The next thing you know someone will propose that unused balances on gift cards should be taxed and collected by the State of Wisconsin. What’s that? Oh sorry, someone has already proposed that as well. As a veteran caller for political campaigns I believe these recorded robocalls calls are a nuisance, a waste of money and detrimental to the election cycle. People want to hear from real people. However, if a candidate wants to spend the money on these-go for it. My solution is the common sense solution. If you get a robocall - hang up your phone, if you don’t want to be bothered - screen your calls, but please, don’t tear up the Bill of Rights just because you don’t like to be bothered. The founders, who made freedom of speech numero uno in the Bill of Rights, would not be amused. -- Sense is editor of The Inside Scoop, a political newsletter based in the Fox Cities. |
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