I just have to say that I DON’T UNDERSTAND AT ALL why our taxpayer dollars are going to assist television owners with upgrading their rabbit ear TVs to the brand-spanking new digital cable. (Unless I’m completely off-base, I am assuming that tax dollars allocated to some branch of the FCC will cover the cost of converter box coupons. I have not read or heard anything about the money coming from some other source.)
I think those TV ads are crazy. “Don’t worry. If you are impoverished and struggling to make ends meet and can’t afford a new digital TV with digital everything service, then by golly, we are going to make it easy for you. We—ahem, the taxpayers of this country—are going to get you what you need. Maybe you can’t feed your kids or pay your electric bill, but you’ll have crystal clear television to view!”
Here’s what the government program website has to say about the cost of converter boxes:
When TV converter boxes are available, retail stores will set the price. TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70. The Federal Government permits each U.S. household up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of the converter box. After applying for the coupon, participating retailers will charge the consumers the remaining balance between $10 and $30.
It’s not that I’m opposed to groups, whether it be para-church organizations, the Church, or the government, helping those in need. I am opposed to robbing from those in need to give cable TV (or any TV, for that matter) to the less fortunate. The last time I checked, television is in the entertainment category. It’s optional. A luxury. I.e., not a necessity. Not an $80/household necessity.
Food banks in our area are struggling right now to keep up with the demand. Hmmmm…. I’d rather have my TV “coupon” money buying a case of mac-n-cheese for my city’s food bank. Just a thought.
Since I know that children somewhere are starving … as they watch their government-provided digital TV.
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