Exploitation or Opportunity
The New York times article, "List of Schiavo Donors Will Be Sold by Direct-Marketing Firm" relates to my post from June 6, "What's to Debate?" However, I will say that in the case of selling a list of the Schindlers' financial supporters to a direct-mail firm, there certainly is more to debate. I took into consideration the case from both sides. At first, this action seems appalling, even suggesting that Terri Schiavo's condition was being exploited. Then, I thought about the description given of the list by the direct mail firm, Response Unlimitied, "These compassionate pro-lifers donated toward Bob Schindler's legal battle to keep Terri's estranged husband from removing the feeding tube from Terri. These individuals are passionate about the way they value human life..." Could it be possible that targeting these supporters of the Schindler family would serve to give the supporters more opportunity to get involved in causes they believe in and are passionate about? The article states that this direct marketing is, "making it likely that thousands of strangers moved by [Terri's] plight will receive a steady stream of solicitations from anti-abortion and conservative groups." Honestly, maybe those "strangers" would not be so opposed to receiving information from such groups?
Where do we draw the line? Is such marketing an exploitation or an opportunity for further issue and political involvement by passionate participants?

5 Comments:
Wow, my hot little GOP buddy! Your first impulse was to be surprised about Schiavo being exploited! I don't think ever was able to look at it from anything but a conservative versus liberal debate.
I'm not shocked in the slightest that the list is up for grabs, I guess we should just be glad it's not on EBay, right? I think it needs to be explicitly understood that these groups (just like any other groups that would want a similar list) are only doing it to serve their best interests. In most cases, this is monetary and barely even reflects policy position support.
I have a hard time believing that any sort of information gathered and then used for targeting ads or propaganda is "wrong." As long as we still have the right and the freedom to switch the channel, turn the page and throw away mailers its "a-okay" with me.
After reading the first comment, I think I should clarify part of my post. My comment that, "At first, this action seems appalling, even suggesting that Terri Schiavo's condition was being exploited," did not mean that I was surprised at the possibility of Terri Schiavo being exploited. I merely was acknowledging that the actions of Response Unlimited could be seen as exploitative, and that at face value, these actions seem appalling.
I also agree with dem4lyf that groups such as this direct mail firm are only acting in such a way as to serve their own self interests. Although that's not necessarily something to be proud of, it doesn't make it "wrong."
Any firm that would even consider buying a list from the Schiavo case needs to visit their PR officer. That is not a good move to buy such a list due to the extreme emotional tie to this case. As it is, I am skeptical of people who buy such contact lists. I think they should make their own list. I also don't like the idea of someone making money by getting my personal information. I don't care if I gave my information to campaign A, I don't want campaign B to have my information.
If I didn't give my information to campaign B, then they should ask me for it if they want it.
This reminds me of the time I went to the store and paid with a 10 and they gave me a 20 back in change. Amazing stuff!
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