FREE CELL PHONES! BUT, NOT FOR YOU TAXPAYERS!

Here's something my fellow U.S. taxpayers can file in the Hello Suckers or WTF? file. You are paying for people on public assistance to get free cell phones! With 250 minutes of "free" talk time. Oh and here is the kicker it is now becoming a "civil right" to have one and of course for you to pay for them. Here are the money quotes:

"Pennsylvanians on public assistance now have a new 'civil right' -- free cell phones. Meanwhile, the rest of us get to pay higher cell bills as a result.

Recently, a federal government program called the Universal Service Fund came to the Keystone State and some residents are thrilled because it means they can enjoy 250 minutes a month and a handset for free, just because they don't have the money to pay for it. Through Assurance Wireless and SafeLink from Tracfone Wireless these folks get to reach out and touch someone while the cost of their service is paid for by everyone else. You see, the telecommunications companies are funding the Universal Service Fund to the tune of $4 billion a year because the feds said they have to and in order to recoup their money, the companies turn around and hike their fees to paying customers. But those of use paying for the free service for the poor, should be happy about this infuriating situation, says Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, because "the program is about peace of mind." Free cell service means "one less bill that someone has to pay, so they can pay their rent or for day care...it is a right to have peace of mind," Cater explained."
 
Welcome to Obamaworld! Why work when someone else will pay your bills and you get free cell phone service too! Hello sucker taxpayers!



 

The Nueva York Times and Carlos Slim

I have been wondering about all the recent front page stories that have been appearing in the New York Times regarding illegal immigration recently. It appears the Grey Lady is going down on Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim who is giving the paper a $245 million dollar lifeline to stay afloat. Matt Welch at Reason.com has some interesting info on Mr. Slim and what it means for the coverage at the paper. Here are some of the money quotes:

"Let's face it. The New York Times would never strike a deal with a U.S. tycoon of a similar profile, for fear of triggering real or apparent conflicts between the newspaper's coverage and the investor's interests. Not that you could ever find such a U.S. tycoon: The conglomerate of Slim-controlled telecom, banking, tobacco, retailing, insurance, construction, and other interests has been estimated to add up to 7 percent of Mexico's GDP. Even in his heyday, John D. Rockefeller accounted for only about 2 percent of the U.S. economy."

Slims companies control 90% of Mexico's Telephone system and 70% of the wireless phones. I wonder how all the illegals here in the U.S. keep in touch with family in Mexico? Hmmm?