Let’s put aside the idea that Jeff and I usually opposed government provided necessities. Let’s forget about that for just a moment, and think on what the term “necessities” means? Food? Clothing? Shelter? Warmth? I think these are universally agreed upon as being vital to a human being’s survival, even in this modern world. Somewhere along the way though, I’ve apparently missed cellular service being “vital”.
Sure enough, there’s been a slew of commercials for Safelink Wireless, which advertises itself as part of a government sponsered program. And, sure enough, they really are. So now we have a government program (a part of the FCC apparently) that is providing cell phones and service (along with the ever important Caller ID and voice mail) at no cost to these people.
Now, we can may disagree on the government paying for health care, or food, or housing, or whatever else. The argument is not over whether people need these things, only who should provide it to those who can’t provide it for themselves. But cell phones? I’m sorry, but I fail to see the necessity of them.
A little known fact is that you can plug a phone into any phone jack, so long as the jack would be ready for service, and can call 9-1-1. It only has to be tied in. No actual service is needed. This is so people who can’t afford phone service can get lifesaving help like ambulance, fire, and police service just as everyone else does. I honestly have no problem with this service. However, apparently some in government feel that this isn’t enough. Apparently, we should also pay for people to be able to get that ever important phone call on what happened on the most recent episode Survivor anywhere and at any time.
This is, I think, something we should all be able to agree on. Our tax dollars, at the federal level, are being diverted to pay for cell phones? We fund a lot of stupid stuff as a nation, but this is probably the worst. No argument one can give will make this anything more than symptom of government bloat.
It is important to note that this didn’t happen under President Obama, but seems to have actually gotten it’s start under President Bush (the second one). Yet another sign that the two parties aren’t all that different, ain’t it?
it’s bad enough that people who need help can’t get it and people who have no business getting the help get it but to add in cell phones is utterly ridiculous!!!! maybe they should go in will bell south and offer something like $4 a month phone service for the bare minimum service but not a cell phone. If you can’t afford it, you don’t need it. Good grief, don’t they have brains????
Honestly, if this were just a company offering something for the poor, then I’d be all for it. However, since it’s ultimately taxpayer funded, then it’s just beyond ridiculous. I pay for my cell phone, and so does everyone else, but for us to also be paying for someone else’s cell phone when life can function just fine without one? Sorry, I’ll pass.