Dear Editor:
Sen. Chuck Schumer announced a deal with cell phone carriers to instantly shut down any stolen phones, to prevent thieves from reselling them. It won’t work. Tech savvy crooks will figure a way to get around this measure. The only effective way to stop cell phone theft is not to use cell phones in public. One-third of all robberies involve cell phones — not just smart phones, but all cell phones — according to the FBI. New York City police warn people not to display cell phones or any other hand-held electronic devices in public. Victims have been murdered or beaten by thugs who value these objects more than money. Either conceal these devices or leave them at home or your office, where they belong.
Not using cell phones in public not only prevents crime, it also reduces noise pollution. Who wants to hear ringtones and cell phone freaks yakking away? By keeping electronic devices at work or at home, you’ll also discover a delightful alternative to those gadgets — real life.
I’ve never used cell phones (which I call hell phones) and never will. In fact, I miss rotary dial phones, when real live people actually answered your call and you were not thrown into voicemail jail.
Welcome to the discussion.
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