I wasn't going to make a comment until having attend the Forum held on
yesterday (05 June 2002.)

Late in the day, when the comments were opened to the public a gentleman
got up before the forum and presented an impassioned speech concerning
the "Freedom of Speech" and his comments stating that telephone
solicitations/telemarketing were protected by the First Amendment
aroused significant ire in me.

I start out to say that I'm only an ordinary citizen. I don't belong to
any privacy organizations. But I have served for over twenty-two years
in the U. S. Navy serving the country, defending the freedoms we hold
dear. Five times I swore an oath to government and the Constitution of
the US. I was, no, am willing to put my life on the line for the ideals
that are put forth in the Constitution. The first amendment, as stated,
protects free speech in this wonderful country. Free speech means that
you can express your opinions about religion and politics without
concern. This protects people with whom I have significantly disagree,
i.e. Nazis, KKK, or whatever else. However, I will still fight for their
right to say what they like.

The gentleman stated that commercial speech is protected. And it is,
they have resources of radio, television, billboards and other print
media. But I must draw the line with the telephone that is in my home.
Especially, when I ask that they not waste their and especially my time for
no purpose.  Existing rules allow them to intrude on at their convenience.
This is unacceptable.

But say that to call my home, in an attempt to sell roofing, vinyl
siding, time share, magazines or some other thing is just hogwash.

The Do Not Call list allows me to put up a sign that says don't waste
your time, because I am not interested in your product, so don't waste
mine!

Thank you.
Wesley C. Hoar, SCPO, USN(Ret)