Editorial for June 5

Wednesday morning we received a personal e-mail from John McCain.

That's right, from the man himself, or at least the e-mail address said it was.

It didn't come from a political committee or fund-raiser, but from this e-mail address: johnmccain@gop.com.

Of course, we doubt that McCain — the Republican presidential candidate — really has the time to personally e-mail folks all around the country about his campaign, but the e-mail illustrates a point.

Be careful of who comes knocking at your door, calling your phone or shooting you an e-mail for political support this summer and fall. They may not be who they say they are.

McCain's e-mail was basically a generic campaign kick-off letter. It was full of lines like this: "My Friends,

"Tonight, we can say with confidence the primary season is over, and the general election campaign has begun.

"Each American faces a decision this election and the choice between my candidacy and Senator Obama's could not be more clear. This is a change election."

Fairly harmless, if it really comes from McCain. But then the letter makes the money pitch, asking for campaign contributions of "$25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or any amount up to the legal limit of $2,300.

"Your generous support will enable me to take my message of the right change and reform directly to the American people."

The e-mail then provides a handy link that readers can click to make their "generous campaign contribution right away," by credit card, of course.

Ah yes. How about the keys to our house while you’re at it?

We also want to share the experience of a Marshall reader who's been hit a couple times with political phone calls in recent days, asking for money. The reader is a smart person and outwitted the callers easily enough.

"I have had three political calls today soliciting money today, and all three calls came through showing 000 000 0000 on my caller ID," the reader told us.

"When I pointed out that I did not know if the caller was some 14 year old on the East Coast running a brilliant scam or a legitimate caller from the Political Parties because the call is not identified on caller ID, the Republican Party hung up on me, and the Democrat Party fund raiser started to argue that he was legitimate and the Democrats really needed my contribution to stop those terrible Republicans...I finally hung up on him. The Obama fund-raiser just sounded very confused...

"Anyway I think I would have to be an idiot to give a credit card number to an unknown person who calls me just because he claims to represent a political party."

Good advice for all of us. Be skeptical of anyone calling or e-mailing looking for money from you, for a political candidate or any other reason, especially if they’re giving you a hard sell.

Just because they say they are someone doesn't mean they really are. And if they really do represent a party or candidate, don't feel obligated or pressured to turn over a credit card number just because they're telling you it's a good thing to do. Make up your own mind.