The Smart Choice

Actions speak louder than words. That's what I was thinking when I heard that Verizon, the second-largest U.S. mobile company, had refused to allow NARAL Pro-Choice America to send opt-in text messages to its members (then reversed its decision on Thursday morning after a storm of criticism).

Let me repeat that: Verizon would not allow NARAL to send its members text-message alerts that these members had opted to receive.

Not that it should come as a surprise that Verizon would behave in such a away. After all, it's public record that they have given millions to right-wing candidates. And Verizon had the distinction of acting alone: the mobile monolith was the only carrier that exercised corporate censorship in blocking the text messages.

In initially turning down the program, Verizon had told NARAL that it does not accept programs from any group "that seeks to promote an agenda or distribute content that, in its discretion, may be seen as controversial or unsavory to any of our users."

Unsavory? How's this for unsavory: Verizon believes it can quash an organization's communications to its own members. As the CEO of a mobile company that has a mobile text activism program, and as a reproductive-rights activist, I know that there is another way.

I don't just call for choice. I march for choice: on Washington, D.C. in 2004. I advocated for family planning in Ethiopia, where I saw how, thanks to the Bush administration's global gag rule, families had no more access to reproductive services. And I continue to run a proudly pro-choice mobile company.

The truth is, as consumers, we still have a choice in phone companies. We can choose to be a part of a pro-choice company, like Working Assets, which has donated over two million dollars to women's organizations like NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood since its inception, or we can stick with Verizon. I know I'm happy with my choice. Are you?

Comments

[DMSmith]

"...unsavory to ANY of our users." (emphasis mine)

That, folks could be anything. Do they mean that if any ONE customer found something unsavory they would ban it?

How quaint!

If the American people had any sense at all, they would have about 10 customers left by the end of the day.

This is SO serious that some heads should roll. If they fire no-one, then they are very sick and should be boycotted.

[unitron]

Shouldn't NARAL be raising hell with the FCC about this?

[realitytrumpsbull]

I want a RetroPhone, one that doesn't even
have a screen on it. Maybe I can write to
Motorola, or AT&T or something, here's the
concept:

Take 1 each old rotary-dial phone, and remove
the innards. Install one cell-phone, with
the ability to count the clicks from the
dialer wheel. Put a good battery in it, and
an adapter port for a 9 volt or whathaveyou.
Leave the cord on it, but cut it, so it looks
like you tore it out of the wall. Leave the
ringer in it, so it makes telephone ring noises
when someone calls, not goofy little songs etc.
Call it the 'cut the crap' edition, sell it
for 200 bucks. I'll bet they'll sell more than
one...sure, it's bulky, sure it's heavy,
but if someone can walk down the street
talking to themselves on their little Star Trek
earpiece, then dammit I want one like this...

[Adirondacker]

They are being made. Apparently out of stock at the moment. http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=287

[ghandi]

ditto to maddogbitesback. I WAS going to switch ...

[john456]

The Pro-Choice" movement needs to show that the so called "Pro-Life" movement is really just "Pro-Birth". Ask that they join in lobbying to extend Medicare and guaranteed nutritional care to all citizens from ages Birth to 5. Pay for it by adding a percentage to the income tax. Those that can afford it already will save the expense, making it somewhat nuetral, and it will help ensure that society is not as heavily burdened when the beneficiaries reach adulthood. (They will be healthier and more intelligent.) Actually, it is an investment that will pay dividends in the future.

[swift goat pet for truth]

I like this idea.
What happens to many newborns is a travesty, especially to the new citizens of the richest nation in the world.

[maddogbitesback]

I was going to switch to Verizon but now I won't. Not only won't I now but I never will. I can vote with my pocketbook as well or better than with a ballot.

[nancytheragingliberal]

Oh Ya Verizon? I am looking into eliminating you for all of my services. You are just as bad as those crazy, so called "pharmacists" who will not fill birth control scripts for woman. Stop playing a role that you have no business playing. I will hit you right in your pocket book, and soon.