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A Businessman
I have been involved in the precious gem and custom jewelry design business for 23 years. Although I have a
'bricks and mortar" store, my work often requires me to transport precious stones and jewelry to and from my
home. It is not unusual for me to have anywhere from $50,000 - $1,000,000 worth of jewelry in my personal
possession.
As you can imagine, it is very important to keep my home address a closely guarded secret. Not just for my
safety but for the safety of my family.
Three years ago, I started the first of several Web sites that promote my business. There is no doubt that
having these Web sites increased my business. When I first learned that my personal information was made
available to the whole world in the Whois database, I thought I would be
okay with a PO Box listed. Then
someone showed me how a reverse phone lookup, using the number I had
listed on the Whois, came up with my
address and driving directions to my front door. I was mortified. I immediately purchased privacy for all of
my domain names.
Private registrations are an invaluable service. And privacy itself is something that is very near and dear to
me and my family, in view of my line of work. I am very worried that my right to privacy might be taken away
by some bureaucrat. If that happens, I will be forced to take down my websites, which would definitely have a
detrimental impact on my business. It seems to me that not only is some unknown politician trying to take away
a Constitutional right, they will be hurting me, a small business owner, financially. Last I heard, small
business owners were the backbone of our great economic system. I urge everyone to stand up and be heard on
this issue.
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