Yesterday I noticed the news that Verizon had refused the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) the right to set up text messaging for its supporters. As all of you know, I’m pro-choice, but wherever you stand on the issue, this should outrage you. This isn’t about abortion rights–it’s about a corporation refusing, arbitrarily, a ‘allow’ a certain group, a certain message, to have access to public phone lines. NARAL or anyone else who sets up text messaging is also only reaching out to people who ask to receive the texts. It’s for subscribers. Just like if you don;t subscribe to Vogue, it’s not just going to show up at your house. For Verizon to refuse their request was outrageous.
Fortunately, the news this morning is Verizon has reversed itself. Or, I should say, the people at Verizon have reversed themselves (let’s not make this an event only involving hardware). So at least now I won’t have to find a new wireless carrier for my laptop. For now.
Verizon Wireless to allow abortion rights messages
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Verizon Wireless will allow an abortion rights group to set up a text message alert system for its subscribers, after initially refusing the request based on what the company called an outdated policy against unwanted messages, a spokesman said on Thursday.
The second-largest U.S. mobile phone carrier had denied a request from NARAL Pro-Choice America to set up text message alerts for subscribers who sign up for notices with a number known as a short code…”The decision not to allow text messaging on an important, though sensitive, public policy issue was incorrect, and we have fixed the process that led to this isolated incident,” Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said in a statement….Other major U.S. wireless carriers have agreed to allow NARAL to set up a group text messaging system…
While I am pro-life, I agree with the reversal. I do believe, though, that Verizon cares less about what’s right regarding open speech than about what’s good for business. With exceptions to extreme and irrational groups requesting access, this is how it should be. It should be a choice by any company to provide or not provide access. I believe Verizon came to the conclusion that it would cause more public relations damage to deny NARAL access.
Greetings Tammy,
Forgive me for posting off-topic, but I feel strongly about this and am eager for your attention.
The reason I was originally drawn to you was repeated by you on an appearance by O’Reilly recently. You mentioned the existence of “The Network” when you were part of “The Left”, and described how one entity among many would lead a particular charge in creating a story / narrative / propaganda campaign. I am intensely curious about this “network” you describe, in particular your personal experiences in working with it. Meaning, I would love to hear stories about how you, as part of the elite Left, were able to change national discourse due to the “friends in high places” which you allude to. Have you done so already? It sounds like it would make a very fascinating book!
[This is Jim, the webmaster/editor. Tammy has written three books about the social/political issues we face, and all weave in her experiences in the Left. They’re in the left hand column of the website. Also, please check her bio, the books are listed there, too. And yes, her experiences have made three interesting books, and she is now working on a fourth. Thanks.–ed.]
I’m glad to hear the decision was overturned and not just because I am pro-choice. I had heard that they were going to ban the text messages and was pretty pissed about it to the point of emailing Verizon. I believe the freedom should be there for both sides of the coin.
Since I agree with you, let me be the pedantic lawyer I am and split hairs about why. These aren’t public phone lines: the cell towers are Verizon’s private property. However, the airwaves of course are public, and Verizon also has the typical common-law responsibilities, and liabilities, of a common carrier: it holds itself open to the public for a fee, and thus must allow all comers.
Help me out here. What could they intend on texting? “Don’t forget- your 3pm appt. today.” OR “Over 46 million served and still going strong! Keep up the good work.” ???