In a govenment program announced in June, we give away free cell phones and 68 minutes a month to just about anyone who gets a federal handout of some kind. This program is called Safelink.
From the Trac Phone press release:
"By approving the SafeLink Wireless program, the FCC took action to enhance its Lifeline program and keep the right to communicate (emphasis mine)in pace with technology." I didn't know we had this unalienable right. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and communications" is not how I remember it from school. Can't find it in the Bill of Rights, either.
But, according to the release, taxpayers don't pay for this boondoggle. No, that becomes the curse of the taxpaying cell phone users. Ever wonder what the "Universal Service Charge" is that appears on your monthly cell phone bill? That's it, plus a kick in from the cell phone provider. Bet they don't pass that cost on to us paying customers. Right.
TracPhone, a subsidiary of a Mexican based company, (nope - sorry, a US company wasn't the beneficiary of this new FCC enhanced program) gives the phones for free to the poor people. Surely none of them are using up all of the free 68 minutes. Surely none of the poor people are buying additional minutes for as much as $33.3 cents a minute. The cheapest rate, assuming a poor person has $79.99 is $17.7 cents a minute. Me thinks I would give them a free phone in order to get that lucrative revenue. I bet most of their sales are the $9.99 for 30 minutes plan. The company has enormous gross margins of about 68%. I am a small business person. I love large gross margins. But not on the back of a poor person and not hyped as a "free government program" to help the poor.
This program looks to me like a taxpayer-funded bonanza to a foreign corporation. Question: Who snuck this bill in the budget and can we take a look to see if a lobbyist from TracPhone paid him or her a visit beforehand?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Americans For Prosperity
Last night I attended a local Americans For Prosperity (AFP) meeting and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
So far, I have been a solo worker bee and traveled independently to the Tax Day Tea Party in DC and the September 12th March on Washington. But earlier in the week, I signed up for a Defending the American Dream Summit in DC sponsored by AFP on October 2-3. This time I would be traveling with this local group, so I thought it would be good to see who they were.
Turns out they were just like me: concerned citizens who are deeply worried about the direction this country is heading in and the massive deficit spending that may well bankrupt our country.
They weren't kooks or crackpots. I didn't hear people bemoaning the president; rather they bitched about the waste and spending from both parties. These were just ordinary folks who gave up an evening with the family to see what they could do to help get this country back on the track intended by our forefathers. I left the meeting impressed with the group and its sincere efforts to make a difference, and am glad to be riding on the bus with them for the summit.
So far, I have been a solo worker bee and traveled independently to the Tax Day Tea Party in DC and the September 12th March on Washington. But earlier in the week, I signed up for a Defending the American Dream Summit in DC sponsored by AFP on October 2-3. This time I would be traveling with this local group, so I thought it would be good to see who they were.
Turns out they were just like me: concerned citizens who are deeply worried about the direction this country is heading in and the massive deficit spending that may well bankrupt our country.
They weren't kooks or crackpots. I didn't hear people bemoaning the president; rather they bitched about the waste and spending from both parties. These were just ordinary folks who gave up an evening with the family to see what they could do to help get this country back on the track intended by our forefathers. I left the meeting impressed with the group and its sincere efforts to make a difference, and am glad to be riding on the bus with them for the summit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Americans Take to the Streets: The Real Picture
I received an email that I thought you'd find interesting:
MORE DC Tea Party pictures not seen on national news
Be sure to also check out a UK write up on the number of protesters...not bad for a self-described liberal writer. I like that he also made note that this was a more gentle crowd than he is used to seeing at protests he covers. Too bad most US media downplayed the story.
"This is the first great conservative anti-status manifestation in American history. The conservative movement, which developed in the post-WWII, Cold War environment has now fully matured into the most significant political movement of the 21st century. I believe that this day could be referred to in the not too distant future as the day that changed America. This was the day the great silent conservative majority finally found its voice.
Many of the attendees were quite meek and timid and were unsure of exactly what to expect, this being the first time in their lives they’d been involved in a protest movement. Their fears evaporated early in the day and I saw people reveling in the camaraderie , the joy and sheer civility that was exhibited at the entire event. Chants of “Freedom, freedom, freedom”, “No more czars! No more czars!” carried through the air without the slightest hint of rancor or incivility which is the norm at the leftist rallies I have photographed over the years.
The two photos above show a tiny fraction of the two million ABC estimates attended. I saw signs and heard lots of comments comparing this event to Woodstock. At the time this photo was taken, around 1:00 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue was still jammed completely, and the mall was packed from the Capitol Building past the Washington Monument. See aerial photos here.
Protesters came from every state in the union. This man came from San Antonio, TX. He said that he was really sorry he hadn’t brought his family. He stated that being a black conservative he was afraid to expose his children to what he expected would be a lot of liberal abuse. He was thrilled with the tenor of the event and the fact that no liberals were present to harass him. He spoke about how incredibly intolerant the left is to black individuals who don’t bow to the party line.
The commentary continues. Email me for photos and complete essay.
MORE DC Tea Party pictures not seen on national news
Be sure to also check out a UK write up on the number of protesters...not bad for a self-described liberal writer. I like that he also made note that this was a more gentle crowd than he is used to seeing at protests he covers. Too bad most US media downplayed the story.
"This is the first great conservative anti-status manifestation in American history. The conservative movement, which developed in the post-WWII, Cold War environment has now fully matured into the most significant political movement of the 21st century. I believe that this day could be referred to in the not too distant future as the day that changed America. This was the day the great silent conservative majority finally found its voice.
Many of the attendees were quite meek and timid and were unsure of exactly what to expect, this being the first time in their lives they’d been involved in a protest movement. Their fears evaporated early in the day and I saw people reveling in the camaraderie , the joy and sheer civility that was exhibited at the entire event. Chants of “Freedom, freedom, freedom”, “No more czars! No more czars!” carried through the air without the slightest hint of rancor or incivility which is the norm at the leftist rallies I have photographed over the years.
The two photos above show a tiny fraction of the two million ABC estimates attended. I saw signs and heard lots of comments comparing this event to Woodstock. At the time this photo was taken, around 1:00 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue was still jammed completely, and the mall was packed from the Capitol Building past the Washington Monument. See aerial photos here.
Protesters came from every state in the union. This man came from San Antonio, TX. He said that he was really sorry he hadn’t brought his family. He stated that being a black conservative he was afraid to expose his children to what he expected would be a lot of liberal abuse. He was thrilled with the tenor of the event and the fact that no liberals were present to harass him. He spoke about how incredibly intolerant the left is to black individuals who don’t bow to the party line.
The commentary continues. Email me for photos and complete essay.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Health Care Reform: What's the hurry and why all at once?
I have two questions about the Health Care reform debate: why the rush and why does it have to be in one massive bill?
There have been numerous breakdowns of the reported 47 million uninsured, most narrow down the actual number of American citizens needing help at about 12 million. Why can't we simply help these folks now so we can take our time to get health care reform right? If 80% of us are happy with our insurance, why do we have to upend the entire system?
Why can't we tackle reform one piece at a time so that everyone has a chance to read and understand what is being proposed instead of these massive 1000+ page bills?
Tort reform is an obvious place to start. Is the fact that so many trial lawyers supported candidate Obama make him hesitant to add tort reform in the reform bill? Is the fact that most legislators are lawyers another obstacle?
Reducing administration costs by having a single form that all insurance companies use would also save countless dollars. This is an easy no-brainer. Why can't this be done immediately while the harder issues are worked out?
I just get the sinking feeling that the health care reform bill is going to be another hack job to help special interests at the expense of the taxpayer. Only this time, it may make America too sick to resuscitate.
There have been numerous breakdowns of the reported 47 million uninsured, most narrow down the actual number of American citizens needing help at about 12 million. Why can't we simply help these folks now so we can take our time to get health care reform right? If 80% of us are happy with our insurance, why do we have to upend the entire system?
Why can't we tackle reform one piece at a time so that everyone has a chance to read and understand what is being proposed instead of these massive 1000+ page bills?
Tort reform is an obvious place to start. Is the fact that so many trial lawyers supported candidate Obama make him hesitant to add tort reform in the reform bill? Is the fact that most legislators are lawyers another obstacle?
Reducing administration costs by having a single form that all insurance companies use would also save countless dollars. This is an easy no-brainer. Why can't this be done immediately while the harder issues are worked out?
I just get the sinking feeling that the health care reform bill is going to be another hack job to help special interests at the expense of the taxpayer. Only this time, it may make America too sick to resuscitate.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Turnabout on Anti-Ballistic Program: Will Poland and Czech Republic go ballistic?
Obama's dramatic about face on our long-range anti-ballistic program yesterday hopefully is the right thing for the USA. No doubt Poland and the Czech Republic are having a few twitches and are wondering if we are abandoning them in capitulation to the Russians.
In ironically unfortunate timing, the announcement was made on the 70th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Poland.
I have to believe that Defense Secretary Gates, who while under Bush supported the previous program, is correct in saying that the facts have changed and that Iran's greater threat is short and mid range missiles which are better thwarted by this new program.
Question: President Obama meets with Russian president Medvedev next week. Russia had vocally opposed our previous plan. If the decision was already made to switch strategies, why not use this as a negotiating tool next week in order to get Russian support on deflecting the Iranian threat? Seems like we threw Russia a bone, buried our allies, and could have tweaked the timing of the announcement just a tad.
Postscript 9-18-09 12:30pm Just read this column in the WSJ. If the writer is correct and Obama worked up an argument to complement his pre-ordained conclusion, I cannot print the words I feel.
In ironically unfortunate timing, the announcement was made on the 70th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Poland.
I have to believe that Defense Secretary Gates, who while under Bush supported the previous program, is correct in saying that the facts have changed and that Iran's greater threat is short and mid range missiles which are better thwarted by this new program.
Question: President Obama meets with Russian president Medvedev next week. Russia had vocally opposed our previous plan. If the decision was already made to switch strategies, why not use this as a negotiating tool next week in order to get Russian support on deflecting the Iranian threat? Seems like we threw Russia a bone, buried our allies, and could have tweaked the timing of the announcement just a tad.
Postscript 9-18-09 12:30pm Just read this column in the WSJ. If the writer is correct and Obama worked up an argument to complement his pre-ordained conclusion, I cannot print the words I feel.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Why Doesn't the President Shun ACORN and SEIU?
Since ACORN emerged into our national consciousness last year during the presidential election, smarmy stories continue to erupt, most recently the videos of a "pimp and prostitute" seeking a low interest housing loan for their brothel from assorted ACORN offices.
Earlier this year, the House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr., concerned about all of the corruption within ACORN, called for hearings, but by his own admission, he was told to back off by the "powers that be"...that ACORN was untouchable. After being questioned as to who were these powers, the White House, Pelosi, contributors...he said he was refering to himself. Right.
ACORN and the SEIU are two peas in a pod, with cross polinating management.
The SEIU apparently uses a mobster mentality in its search for more members -- more members equals more money. If they run into any problems trying to unionize a company, they have boasted that they will destroy the company.
President Obama, proud of his community organizing background with ACORN, promised after the election that ACORN would help shape his agenda. He was a keynote speaker at the SEIU 2008 convention after securing the Democratic nomination and gave them credit for his nomination.
The current expression in vogue is to throw someone "under the bus" when repudiating a connection to a person or organization. With all that is now known about these two groups, why hasn't our President thrown them under the bus and disowned them as he did his long-term preacher Jeremiah Wright after his radical racist views and hatred of America became common knowledge? The silence is deafening.
Earlier this year, the House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr., concerned about all of the corruption within ACORN, called for hearings, but by his own admission, he was told to back off by the "powers that be"...that ACORN was untouchable. After being questioned as to who were these powers, the White House, Pelosi, contributors...he said he was refering to himself. Right.
ACORN and the SEIU are two peas in a pod, with cross polinating management.
The SEIU apparently uses a mobster mentality in its search for more members -- more members equals more money. If they run into any problems trying to unionize a company, they have boasted that they will destroy the company.
President Obama, proud of his community organizing background with ACORN, promised after the election that ACORN would help shape his agenda. He was a keynote speaker at the SEIU 2008 convention after securing the Democratic nomination and gave them credit for his nomination.
The current expression in vogue is to throw someone "under the bus" when repudiating a connection to a person or organization. With all that is now known about these two groups, why hasn't our President thrown them under the bus and disowned them as he did his long-term preacher Jeremiah Wright after his radical racist views and hatred of America became common knowledge? The silence is deafening.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Grassroots Effort to Pass a Constitutional Amendment
Scanning my niece's Social Studies text last weekend, I came across a heartening section. It seems the 27th Amendment was passed in large part because of the efforts by a University of Texas student by the name of Gregory Watson.
In 1982, Watson was doing research on the ERA when he came upon the proposed amendment from 1789 that some states had already ratified. Some 202 years later, his grassroots letter writing campaign helped pass this amendment to help keep corruption from our legislative branch.
Despite the lengthy delay in ratification, legislators did not want to be on the wrong side of the fence on voting for their own pay come the next election.
Perhaps that's what will be the motivation for our politicians to vote for the proposed 28th Amendment to prohibit them from excluding themselves from any mandate they require for the rest of us Americans.
The petition is gaining momemtum, with signatures from one out of every five states so far. Please consider signing it if you haven't already, and encourage others to do so.
In 1982, Watson was doing research on the ERA when he came upon the proposed amendment from 1789 that some states had already ratified. Some 202 years later, his grassroots letter writing campaign helped pass this amendment to help keep corruption from our legislative branch.
Despite the lengthy delay in ratification, legislators did not want to be on the wrong side of the fence on voting for their own pay come the next election.
Perhaps that's what will be the motivation for our politicians to vote for the proposed 28th Amendment to prohibit them from excluding themselves from any mandate they require for the rest of us Americans.
The petition is gaining momemtum, with signatures from one out of every five states so far. Please consider signing it if you haven't already, and encourage others to do so.
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