There are people in our country who need help. No one wants to hear or see a family homeless on the streets or begging for food. Low income families are a real concern in our nation and being a first world country, we should be more than able to assist these struggling people.
There are numerous government programs in place to do just that, help lower income families receive the things they need to survive. Many Americans feel pride knowing their country has the awareness and means to help people who struggle in their day to day lives. We are a country of prosperity and compassion built on a foundation of people helping other people.
Assisting with essentials does amazing things for our lower income families and children. When does assistance turn into handouts? When are luxuries turned into “essentials.” This article explores deeper into the idea of free phones and why they may not be the best thing for our country now.
Who Pays for the Phones
These free phones are paid for by the Universal Service Fund. This fund was created specifically to finance the production, maintenance and service needed to supplement such a program such as Lifeline or Link Up. Both of these companies provide discounts to wired and wireless phone plans.
The Universal Service Fund money is collected from a mandatory fee put upon telecommunication providers. This fee is then funneled back to the Universal Service Fund and used to supply low income individuals and families with free phones and service. The FCC claims the free phones are not paid for by taxpayer’s money, however this is only partially true.
There is a fee put upon telecommunication providers so the Universal Service Fund can collect money for their customer’s free phones, but where do most telecommunication providers pull from to fork over this fee? You. Check your next phone bill, more than likely there will be an extra charge at the bottom listed as “Universal Service.”
Government spending is too high
The United States total spending for the year of 2012 is an incredible $6.3 trillion. And that’s not the end of the bad news. Spending costs are predicted to only increase. The year of 2013 is projected at $6.4 trillion and $6.5 trillion by 2014.
The infuriating part about this government spending is the big question, “Where is all this money going?” Many believe our government is spending to fix our current economic trend, but with the numbers showing millions being spent simply on campaigns for the past election, moral is low on the spending subject.
There are some specific projects the government has been working on to better our future. What about Gaydar, World of War Craft and space food? Doesn’t sound relevant?
Thirty thousand was spent on a project to test if “gaydar” was a real phenomenon. College students were flashed pictures of different people and were asked to guess their sexual orientation; 60% were correct.
Another $1.2 million was spent on a different study to conclude if playing World of Warcraft improved elderly adult’s cognitive functions; it did not.
Last but not least, $1 million was given to NASA so they could prepare a “Mars Menu” for the ultimate relocation to Mars. Don’t hold your breath on that move.
US Debt
Our country is $16 trillion in debt. Many cannot even fathom the amount of money even one trillion is, and our country is up to its nose in 16. Here is a little comparison to put “trillion” into perspective. One million seconds is four days. One billion seconds is 32 years. One trillion seconds is 32,000 years.
Many Americans theorize we are in debt to China and other foreign countries. The surprising truth is, the US debt to China only adds up to 8% of the entire US debt percentage. I guess Chinese conspiracies theories to get their money back is out.
Most of the US debt is owed to their own programs and policies. Just under $5 trillion dollars of debt is owed to the US Social Security Trust Fund. The rest of the money is owed to investors, both domestic and foreign, as well as the Federal Reserve.
Dependence on the government
As stated initially it’s crucial that our country continues to feed the hungry, clothe the needy and educate our children so they can mature into an adult who can provide more to their family than they were provided.
Are cell phones really part of that essential list? Has our government broadened the category of “survival” too far? Of course cell phones are helpful, informative and entertaining but certainly they do not limit or determine the life or death of a low income family or individual.
These free handouts are creating a dependence. These programs state they are helping those to progress and push forward by providing them with the tools they need, but instead they are creating moochers. People who could pay for their own cell phone, but would prefer to work less or spend the money elsewhere.
Other government programs creating dependance
Internet Essentials through Comcast is another debilitating program creating dependence in our country. Eligible families and individuals can acquire free or discounted internet service through a reliable source for nothing.
The program also offers discounted computers and computer training courses for prices as low as $150. Free internet is available through many different resources including the library, restaurants and even airline terminals. Free internet to an individual’s home is simply for entertainment.
Low-Income Gasoline Assistance Program Act has been newly instated. The government program assists American residents with the cost of their gasoline. It seems ‘big brother’ can lend you a hand with just about anything anymore. This has some citizens asking, “Why bother?”
It is undeniably disheartening to work so hard for the things that make your life entertaining; cell phone, internet, smart phones. And for what? To be charged, taxed and finagled out of your hard earned cash so others can have the same luxuries you do for half of the work?
America is built on the idea of independence. We will care for and assist our own, but there comes a time when enough is enough and it’s time to cut the apron strings. On the other hand, there are some who need a little help and having access to a communications device like a cell phone can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
We’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below and let us know where you stand on the issue of free phones.
