# Public Service Announcement - How To Deal With Campaign Workers **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [July 31, 2010, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730 "2010-07-31T21:44:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/21 "2010-08-04T23:43:45Z")
> [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](#): > > “Sorry, I can’t vote, convicted felon.” Nice try, but in Michigan, you can vote, Mr. Felon. It’s like a kid trying to pile lie up on top of lie, where if they just say what’s expected or even known, life becomes much easier. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/22 "2010-08-05T02:44:35Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > I’m talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you’re a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue. If I’m that valuable, then they can pay me for my time. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/23 "2010-08-05T02:52:30Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > > [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > > > I’m talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you’re a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue. > > If I’m that valuable, then they can pay me for my time. That is illegal in Florida. And in most states. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/24 "2010-08-05T03:57:38Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > > [@Zakalwe](#): > > > > If I’m that valuable, then they can pay me for my time. > > That is illegal in Florida. And in most states. Right. Buying votes is frowned upon. Again, we’re quickly approaching the point where it takes more time to whine about the process than to actually do it and be done with it.\* \*Battleground states in hotly-contested elections notwithstanding. I know, you get pummeled by calls. Again, it’s the nature of the beast. All parties want to get the questions finished and done accurately and quickly. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/25 "2010-08-05T10:33:40Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > > [@MsRobyn](#): > > > > But don’t waste five or ten minutes of some poor pollster’s time > > Eh – they waste my time; I waste their time. Usually I just put the phone down and let the cat talk to them if he’s so inclined. For what it’s worth, I told the local Organizing for America group to bugger off. I’m not willing to waste four hours every week calling people who don’t want to be called and being abused for the privilege. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/26 "2010-08-05T15:50:30Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > I’m talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you’re a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue. They can want whatever the Hell they want. I am not obligated to give it to them, and if they happen to catch me in a bad mood, they’ll get an earful. Once they intrude into my space, they get whatever I feel like dishing out. I’ll at the very least be sure to say plenty of insulting things about whatever candidate they’re supporting. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/27 "2010-08-05T16:39:18Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > > [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > > > I’m talking about people volunteering/working for a campaign, making calls or knocking on your door because you’re a targeted individual and because they want to get your feelings on the candidate/issue. > > They can want whatever the Hell they want. I am not obligated to give it to them, and if they happen to catch me in a bad mood, they’ll get an earful. Once they intrude into my space, they get whatever I feel like dishing out. I’ll at the very least be sure to say plenty of insulting things about whatever candidate they’re supporting. Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking. I can be polite and say “no thanks ,I am not interested in participating”. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/28 "2010-08-05T16:49:07Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > [ > Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking. > I can be polite and say “no thanks ,I am not interested in participating”. I got nothing against manners. In fact, I find it damned rude to intrude into my life with bullshit. Political bullshit, sales bullshit, poll bullshit, it’s all bullshit. If you don’t want to get bit, don’t rattle my damn cage. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/29 "2010-08-05T17:26:33Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > > [@Pleonast](#): > > > > Eh, the calls stop by themselves. I can’t say they bother me much. > > Well, then answer the questions quickly and promptly. Or, I can ignore them and not be bothered at all. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/30 "2010-08-05T22:08:58Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > > [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > > > Well, then answer the questions quickly and promptly. > > Or, I can ignore them and not be bothered at all. Except that, as several posters have pointed out, they will keep calling you until you stop ignoring them. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2010, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/31 "2010-08-05T23:55:37Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking. > I can be polite and say “no thanks ,I am not interested in participating”. I want you to send me $100. NOW or I’m going to continue bugging you until you send it to me. After all, you have an internet connection, I must have some right to bug you for time or money, right? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/32 "2010-08-06T00:04:50Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > > [@gonzomax](#): > > > > [ > > Yes indeed, what a fine maturity that shows. Unloading in someone because you are in a bad mood. What do you have against manners? These people want something from me, not only am I not going to provide it, I will abuse them for asking. > > I can be polite and say “no thanks ,I am not interested in participating”. > > I got nothing against manners. In fact, I find it damned rude to intrude into my life with bullshit. Political bullshit, sales bullshit, poll bullshit, it’s all bullshit. If you don’t want to get bit, don’t rattle my damn cage. Apparently you and manners are strangers. Your childish temper is nothing to proclaim. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/33 "2010-08-06T00:23:29Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > > [@Pleonast](#): > > > > Or, I can ignore them and not be bothered at all. > > Except that, as several posters have pointed out, they will keep calling you until you stop ignoring them. And as I stated before, ignoring calls does not bother me. That’s the whole point of caller ID and an answering machine; ignoring calls is simple and painless. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/34 "2010-08-06T02:40:33Z")
I’m sorry, I don’t have time to talk to you. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/35 "2010-08-06T02:48:42Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Apparently you and manners are strangers. Your childish temper is nothing to proclaim. Hey gonzomax, where’s my $100? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/36 "2010-08-06T03:41:57Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > > [@gonzomax](#): > > > > Apparently you and manners are strangers. Your childish temper is nothing to proclaim. > > Hey gonzomax, where’s my $100? Do you really think that is the same thing? I do not. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/37 "2010-08-06T12:16:57Z")
Well of course I don’t think it’s the same thing, but it’s based on the same principle. I have a phone line. I pay for it. I have it for my convenience. Okay so far? Now. Some people have decided that because I have a phone line, it’s in THEIR interest to call me on it. Repeatedly. Seeking information that is valuable to them. Yet they offer me no compensation for providing this valuable service. In fact, providing this service actually COSTS me time. Still okay? You’re saying that we should just give in since it’s easier to spend the time satsifying them than it is to continually frustrate their desire to spend my time. Agreed? You have an internet connection and I’ve decided that it’s in my interest for you to pay me $100. Now you have a decision to make. Is it going to be easier to give me the $100 or to keep ignoring my requests? Because I will keep it up until you do.\* Now do you see the similarity? It’s hyperbole to ask for $100 rather than 5 minutes of your time, but the point is to emphasize the principle. \*Not really of course, I have no intention of cyber-stalking you here or anywhere else. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/38 "2010-08-06T14:48:38Z")
I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don’t have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2010, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/39 "2010-08-06T15:34:24Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don’t have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do. That does follow. If I want to say something to someone who I elected, I’ll send them a paper letter or call their office. They chose that position, they must expect unsolicited opinions. That should not give them any expectation that a random constituent will want to answer unsolicited questions. And of course, we all have the right to complain about our elected officials to whoever is willing to listen, regardless of what we do or do not otherwise do. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2010, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730/40 "2010-08-07T01:05:45Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I hope none of you people bitching about getting campaign calls have the temerity to complain about your elected officials. After all, if you don’t have the time to tell them what you want, you can hardly blame them for listening to the people who do. This is exactly what I DON’T want. This is a goddamn representative democracy. I want them to tell ME what they’re going to do. Then I’ll vote for them or not. If I wanted a fucking windsock in office I’d elect Rasmussen. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-service-announcement-how-to-deal-with-campaign-workers/548730.md?page=3)