The article “Call to mute telemarketing onslaught connects with regulators” (Page 1, June 9) didn’t address core issues that make the situation much more complex than just passing a “Do Not Call” list law.
You specifically zeroed in on West Virginia. In a struggling economy, it’s important to know that telemarketing is the second largest industry in West Virginia after tourism. The states of North Dakota, Iowa and Utah are in the same situation.
In addition, you mention telemarketing sales of insurance, long-distance service and cell phones.
These industries are exempt from adhering to Do Not Call lists. Put your name on a Do Not Call list and you’ll still get telemarketing calls from them, from charities and from the very politicians who are passing these laws. There is no elected official today, federal, state or local, who has not actively used, and abused, telemarketing in his or her campaigns.
There is no doubt that there are dubious practices in some facets of telemarketing. Problems with calling practices should be handled on a case-by-case basis and with the specific company involved, as is being done with abuses found in many top corporations today.
The revenue quoted by the Direct Marketing Association of $270 billion of goods and services sold over the telephone is testimony to honest, capable and hardworking people using the telephone to sell.
