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[Ron Thigpen <rthigpen AT nc.rr.com>]

zman wrote:

> I agree, I don't see how they can weigh the "right to free speech" over 
> the "right to privacy". A "no soliciting" sign works pretty well outside 
> the house to.

there is no right to privacy as such.  the constitution is silent on the 
issue.  IANAL, but AFAIK, this "right" stands only on limited case law 
dealing with privacy and the press and privacy as it deals wiretapping 
and surveillance of the home.  and there has been serious erosion in 
many of these areas.

in any case, the telemarketing ruling wasn't about privacy or speech. 
it only said the FTC hadn't been given a clear enough congressional 
mandate to take the actions that it did.  some members of congress feel 
otherwise. the upper courts may feel likewise.  and of course the entire 
congress could choose to act by passing something more specific 
instructions for the FTC.

this ain't over.

--rt

recommended reading: <http://www.aclu.org>