I got a similar call from a local after I dared suggest a few uncomfortable questions that people should ask Kerry "band of brothers" member Jim Wasser when he came to town. The guy blocked the caller ID, asked me if I'd been in 'Nam (he knew I hadn't been, I'm only in my thirties and it's obvious from the head shot that runs with my column) and then he said, "You'd better be careful what you write about Jim Wasser."
I said, "You're mighty brave calling my house and making threats with a blocked caller ID. Listen up, boy: You try to make good on your threat and you will need a coroner. This is the only warning you get."
He hung up without saying anything else. I never heard from him again...and the harassing calls that had begun as soon as my column started its run stopped immediately. I have no idea why such a person would be scared off by li'l ole me...maybe he knew I wasn't bluffing, or maybe he had easily intimidated others before and had no idea what to do when someone pushed back.
In my area, you hit *69 after the caller hangs up. Then an automated voice from the phone company relays the phone number to you. The cost is 75¢.