I read this proposal with great interest. I have consistently told telemarketers that I wish to be placed on their 'do not call' list. One would think that that would result in a decrease in the calls I get but in fact they have multiplied by geometric proportions. Although I know that individuals must ID themselves and what they are selling they often do not and become argumentative and abrasive. The immediate personal solution is to hang up. This however does not effect a long term resolution. Even when a company agrees to put me on their 'do not call' list they frequently call again under a changed name but with the same pitch. Also, since companies hire different marketing operations the consumer is bombarded with calls.

It seems that a national registry that would apply to all companies and their marketing operations would begin to address the heart of the problem. Of course, I am aware that they may just switch operations to outside the US and bargain for advantageous long distance phone rates. What can the individual do to protect themselves? I often allow my machine to pick up all calls and only return ones I desire but this is bothersome to some of the people I do respect. Perhaps we should go back to signal fires!

Seriously, I cannot imagine any individual objecting to this idea and the cost involved is money well spent.

Thank you for your consideration,

Linda Moskowitz