A warning to everyone out there - If you get this call, please help find out who is behind them.
I just got a robocall asking if I thought gas prices were too high. Out of contempt for robocalls in general, I replied 'no'. The call then asked if I thought unemployment was too high. I won't even joke about that issue so I said 'yes'. The call went on to push outrageous lies and misstatements about the Keystone XL pipeline.
The robocaller said that the pipeline would directly lower the cost of gasoline in the US and would create 20,000 jobs (didn't say where). Mr. Robocaller then said that the only thing holding the wonderful project up was the bureaucrats in the State Department and asked if I would support telling the State Department to grant the permit.
I, quoting the unforgettable Joe Wilson, said 'You Lie!'. Mr. Robocaller said 'Please answer yes or no'. I said 'No'. Mr. Robocaller said 'Thank you for your support' and that my name would be added to those telling the State Department to let the pipeline be built.
I knew that no one but the cat at my feet would hear the stream of expletives that exploded out of my mouth at that instant but I needed to channel my fury somewhere. I should have had the presence of mind to listen carefully for some clue as to who is paying for this devious push poll.
I live in a deep blue congressional district in suburban Chicago and I am not generally on corporate and right-wing calling lists. If I am getting this call, it is likely some of you might as well. The idea that these bastards are going to use my name to support a dirty project I oppose makes me so mad that I actually got off my ass and wrote a diary about it.
If anyone can get any information on who is behind this, I will be grateful.