By Meagan Villaneda
President Bush”s Do-Not-Call legislation was put into effect Wednesday, Oct. 1, but two of Utah”s representatives voted against the legislation along, with six other members in the House.
Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, were both opposed to the legislation because of certain implications within it.
“Since the House first considered the Do-Not-Call list, legitimate concerns have been raised about increasing the federal government”s interference in the conduct of open commerce, including significant job-producing commerce in Utah,” Cannon said.
However, employees from companies like Convergys don”t seem too worried about losing their jobs.
“There are still many people that are not singed up for the Do-Not-Call list,” said Rod Nelson, telemarketer for Convergys.
“We have connections with the people we call, and if people get really upset we just apologize and don”t call them back,” he said.
Bishop opposes the legislation because he finds it hypocritical.
“Political organizations, such as congressional candidates and political parties, are exempted from even complying with the Do-Not-Call list,” Bishop said. “Why should we be able to telemarket and other legitimate businesses not be able to?”
Bishop also acknowledged that most states already have passed some type of “Do-Not-Call” legislation, which is available for consumers to block annoying phone calls.
“Besides, people will always have the right to say ”no” and hang up the phone,” Bishop said.
Others in opposition argue that the legislation is unconstitutional because it is a restriction on free speech. Charitable organizations can continue to call numbers on the list, which would most likely include BYU”s Alumni Association, even though commercial firms would be prohibited from doing so.
BYU”s Alumni Association said it hasn”t been affected by the legislation, however.
“We really haven”t seen too much of a difference,” said David Smith, tele-fund director for BYU”s Alumni Association. “Because we are a non-profit organization, I think most people understand that when we call for BYU we are not telemarketing.”
Telemarketing companies are feeling the affects of the Do-Not-Call list, but not as most people would expect.
Even with the Do-Not-Call legislation in place, Nelson said he believes things are getting better rather than worse.
“We have rooted out the mean people and are now dealing with the people that don”t mind us calling,” he said. “Today was a much better day when calling people.”
BYU”s Alumni Association has also had a positive response since the legislation has been in effect.
“We have actually seen an increase in funds,” Smith said.
The Do-Not-Call registry is still in question as its constitutionality has been challenged in court. For the registry to survive the challenge, the government must show that telemarketers” right to free speech is less important than consumers” rights to privacy.
