[Jeff Chandler]

On the one hand, access to my phone line by others is not protected free speech. On the other, they can only bother you if you let them. We don't answer the phone during meals or other busy times, but rather let our answering machine do the screening. We can hear if someone leaves a message, and choose to pick the line up or not depending on the urgency of the call. When I do pick up a call from a telemarketer, I just say "No, thank you." and hang up. Problem solved.

[BJungNan]

If the law is not allowed to stand, hanging up may prove to be the best revenge.

Much more effective method than this. It is called an air horn. A couple of good blasts in the mouth piece and mysteriously the telemarketer is no longer on the line.

[Fledermaus]

On the one hand, access to my phone line by others is not protected free speech.

Yes it is. First, it's not YOUR phone line. You didn't dig the ground up and create a giant network to give billions the ability to connect via the telephone.

Second, read the agreement you signed when you got your phone connected. Most people don't. In it you'll find the owner of the connection and your unique number belongs to them and they can do anything they want with it including publishing your name, address and telephone number in a giant book called the White Pages unless you buy an unlisted number.

[HitmanLV]

We don't answer the phone during meals or other busy times, but rather let our answering machine do the screening.

I never answer my phone unless I know who it is, and that I want to speak with them. Anyone else can leave a message.

[Gracey]

I just say "No, thank you

Hey, make it more interesting. Try asking them if they're wearing boxers or jockeys? If it's female, ask her the color of her underwear.

[csvset]

I told a telemarketer that I, Mr. B----, had died during Hurricane Isabel. They apologized and hung up. I figure that ploy should work for awhile.

[Publius6961]

We don't answer the phone during meals or other busy times, but rather let our answering machine do the screening.

The ultimate and permanent fix, with one proviso: I need to go get a cordless phone that has an OFF switch for the ringer!
I can't believe that they make phones without a ringer "off" switch!