Free Internet at Your Expense for Low Income Families

What Do You Think of Providing Free Internet etc. for Low Income Families?

  • Sure. Why not? Give them all of it.

    Votes: 10 15.6%
  • OK for free internet etc. IF non educational sites are blocked.

    Votes: 6 9.4%
  • Federal government charity for any cause is a bad idea.

    Votes: 35 54.7%
  • Other and I'll explain in my post.

    Votes: 13 20.3%

  • Total voters
    64
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use...Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?


Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

I'm all for keeping the great masses ignorant.

seriously, why train a population to do better when we can loutsource everything?
 
Here is the best part:

WE ALREADY OFFER FREE INTERNET TO POOR PEOPLE.

It's call the damn Public Library, free internet, free books.

Problem is they are too damn lazy to GO THERE. They want it wireless, in home, like the rest of us.

Remember: Liberalism is about envy. They got free internet now, it's just not as convenient to them as the rest of us who PAY FOR IT in our homes. So.....out of envy, they want the same thing we PAY for to be given to them for FREE.

You need to give more. What's wrong with you. You need to get your head straight.
 
Cabrini%20Green%20social%20housing%20in%20Chicago%20(3).jpg


This used to be a nice building. It was built to house people at low or no cost to them.

Look what happened to it.

You ever been in one of those "nice" buildings?

I was a mover..I know them inside out. They ain't "nice".

He said "used to". Again, you missed the whole fucking point and go off on some brainless diatribe about how much "you know"

Spare us.

They were never nice.

You've been in one?
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use...Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?


Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

I'm all for keeping the great masses ignorant.

seriously, why train a population to do better when we can loutsource everything?

"The masses" don't have internet access?
 
How much is this program costing the individual taxpayer?

You tell me. $2.1 million to provide free internet service plus some other perks for one low income housing project in Tampa Fl. How much would that be if all low income housing projects in Florida are included. In all of the southeast? In all of the south? In all of the country?

The point isn't so much the amount allocated for this project but the precedent being set and the implications of that.
Link?

The link is provided in the OP
 
I'm all for keeping the great masses ignorant.

seriously, why train a population to do better when we can loutsource everything?

Is loutsource a typo or are you trying to make up a new word? I like the way it sounds, but want to get some idea of what it means. Would loutsourcing only apply to customer/technical service, or could it also apply to the manufacturing sector?
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

This is part and parcel of the government as "benefactor in all things" mindset of both politicians and citizens that we all must reject in the future. We have also seen the founders original intent that both Senators' and the Representatives' (to the lower house) purpose was to attend to that business which would benefit the nation as a whole now devolve into a Lisa Murkowski/Charlie Rangel like "bring home the bacon" effort. This is simply a perversion of federal government's legitimate roll of protector of its citizens' individual liberties and the security of the nation as a whole.

In the spirit of Boehner et al's "cut go" rule (any new spending must find its funding by cannibalizing existing governmental programs) the best way to fund this boondoggle would be for the U.S. Congress to deny funds for this program (along with that for the newly approved high speed rail line in FL, etc). If FL still wished to have this program they can exercise states' rights and do it themselves. But this need not involve the hard earned money from those in, say, Boulder CO. Indeed, Florida could encourage Brighthouse to offer this service free by giving them tax credits if they so chose. “Cut GO” would then enter (notably restricted at the state level) by cutting back on other programs, say aid to FL counties to fight fires, trash pick up, free cell phones, or Medicaid funds. However, with the upcoming financial disaster RE many state and municipal employee benefit and pension funding and the resultant threats of bankruptcies, programs like this should be a distant memory in the mists of time.

We have also seen on this thread a do gooder that has no problem volunteering himself, and all other tax payers for that matter, to pay for this. I believe the figure stated was 13 cents per taxpayer (.13/taxpayer). If only. First, this is just one state. Further, as I stated in my first paragraph, this is a past mindset that must be revised considerably. Adding up all such programs along with the present level of the just approved budget extension (to only just March!) their estimated cost has been noted as about 10,292 USD for each man, women, and child in the U.S. (Granted the budget has ‘legitimate’ government spending included but even much of this is contentious.) Obviously not all these people pay taxes, so that individual dollar figure must rise when only those that pay are considered, but sadly, there is more. As of now, almost half of those working, do not pay any taxes…some of these actually receive money from the government. So for those who would actually have a tax liability the dollar figure rises…again.

” Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes? “

Looking at your proposed and reasonable caveats to free access to internet content we see the seeds of continued liberal government expansion. Sure free access for the poor seems good, even without porn or games, but it would be only a matter of time before the lefties started their class and race wars and demanded, via supposed 'constitutional rights', that “the poor” should get all that content also. But that would be the good scenario. We currently see Obama’s FCC trying to take over the internet in the name of regulation. Why couldn’t the FCC just outlaw (by regulation) those things so that none of us get them? After all, wouldn’t that satisfy the left’s goal of “equality”?

Simply though, all of this comes under the heading voiced by your poll’s third choice.

Supplying dedicated centers for this would be a repeat of the mistake we know as “the projects” in urban areas. This would also necessitate the hiring of more government employees to safeguard both the computers and facility from theft and vandals. The better solution would be to put the computers in local libraries where identification is required (those so deserving get free library cards.) After all this, it is still not clear how effective government job training programs are in actually training and helping participants find gainful employment. Perhaps, some contributors here can enlighten all of us so regarding. Employer feedback RE these programs' efficacy would be invaluable also. But this Florida effort with Brighthouse doesn't even address this question.

JM

Superb observations as usual James, and as usual probably most won't bother to read it.

One observation of mine: you stated the 13 cents cited by one member was just in one state. Actually, if his math was correct, which I've already noted it is most likely not, it applies to one housing project in one city in one state. If the precedent is used to expand the program it could be multiplied by many thousands across the land and involved a substantial outlay for every taxpayer even if the 13 cents is correct.

Then add in all the other issues also already raised, and it becomes quite difficult to justify it by any standard.

I propose that people be instructed to go to their local school, community center, library, or other places where public access to computers is common, and use the computers there. That would provide a double benefit of work ethic with people being required to take responsibility for themselves AND ensure that those utilizing public property are those who seriously want to improve themselves.
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

This is part and parcel of the government as "benefactor in all things" mindset of both politicians and citizens that we all must reject in the future. We have also seen the founders original intent that both Senators' and the Representatives' (to the lower house) purpose was to attend to that business which would benefit the nation as a whole now devolve into a Lisa Murkowski/Charlie Rangel like "bring home the bacon" effort. This is simply a perversion of federal government's legitimate roll of protector of its citizens' individual liberties and the security of the nation as a whole.

In the spirit of Boehner et al's "cut go" rule (any new spending must find its funding by cannibalizing existing governmental programs) the best way to fund this boondoggle would be for the U.S. Congress to deny funds for this program (along with that for the newly approved high speed rail line in FL, etc). If FL still wished to have this program they can exercise states' rights and do it themselves. But this need not involve the hard earned money from those in, say, Boulder CO. Indeed, Florida could encourage Brighthouse to offer this service free by giving them tax credits if they so chose. “Cut GO” would then enter (notably restricted at the state level) by cutting back on other programs, say aid to FL counties to fight fires, trash pick up, free cell phones, or Medicaid funds. However, with the upcoming financial disaster RE many state and municipal employee benefit and pension funding and the resultant threats of bankruptcies, programs like this should be a distant memory in the mists of time.

We have also seen on this thread a do gooder that has no problem volunteering himself, and all other tax payers for that matter, to pay for this. I believe the figure stated was 13 cents per taxpayer (.13/taxpayer). If only. First, this is just one state. Further, as I stated in my first paragraph, this is a past mindset that must be revised considerably. Adding up all such programs along with the present level of the just approved budget extension (to only just March!) their estimated cost has been noted as about 10,292 USD for each man, women, and child in the U.S. (Granted the budget has ‘legitimate’ government spending included but even much of this is contentious.) Obviously not all these people pay taxes, so that individual dollar figure must rise when only those that pay are considered, but sadly, there is more. As of now, almost half of those working, do not pay any taxes…some of these actually receive money from the government. So for those who would actually have a tax liability the dollar figure rises…again.

” Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes? “
Looking at your proposed and reasonable caveats to free access to internet content we see the seeds of continued liberal government expansion. Sure free access for the poor seems good, even without porn or games, but it would be only a matter of time before the lefties started their class and race wars and demanded, via supposed 'constitutional rights', that “the poor” should get all that content also. But that would be the good scenario. We currently see Obama’s FCC trying to take over the internet in the name of regulation. Why couldn’t the FCC just outlaw (by regulation) those things so that none of us get them? After all, wouldn’t that satisfy the left’s goal of “equality”?

Simply though, all of this comes under the heading voiced by your poll’s third choice.

Supplying dedicated centers for this would be a repeat of the mistake we know as “the projects” in urban areas. This would also necessitate the hiring of more government employees to safeguard both the computers and facility from theft and vandals. The better solution would be to put the computers in local libraries where identification is required (those so deserving get free library cards.) After all this, it is still not clear how effective government job training programs are in actually training and helping participants find gainful employment. Perhaps, some contributors here can enlighten all of us so regarding. Employer feedback RE these programs' efficacy would be invaluable also. But this Florida effort with Brighthouse doesn't even address this question.

JM

Superb observations as usual James, and as usual probably most won't bother to read it.

One observation of mine: you stated the 13 cents cited by one member was just in one state. Actually, if his math was correct, which I've already noted it is most likely not, it applies to one housing project in one city in one state. If the precedent is used to expand the program it could be multiplied by many thousands across the land and involved a substantial outlay for every taxpayer even if the 13 cents is correct.

Then add in all the other issues also already raised, and it becomes quite difficult to justify it by any standard.

I propose that people be instructed to go to their local school, community center, library, or other places where public access to computers is common, and use the computers there. That would provide a double benefit of work ethic with people being required to take responsibility for themselves AND ensure that those utilizing public property are those who seriously want to improve themselves.

The local unemployment offices usually have computers available also, and the wait time is almost nothing because so few people hang out there. I always wondered about that myself.
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

What does this have to do with politics?
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

What does this have to do with politics?

Our fearless leaders in Washington DC authorized it, stuck it in some bill, and signed it into law. The American taxpayer will be required to pay for it or to go further in debt to provide it.

If that isn't politics, what is?
 
This is part and parcel of the government as "benefactor in all things" mindset of both politicians and citizens that we all must reject in the future. We have also seen the founders original intent that both Senators' and the Representatives' (to the lower house) purpose was to attend to that business which would benefit the nation as a whole now devolve into a Lisa Murkowski/Charlie Rangel like "bring home the bacon" effort. This is simply a perversion of federal government's legitimate roll of protector of its citizens' individual liberties and the security of the nation as a whole.

Are you attempting to say that the nation as a whole will not benefit from everybody knowing how to use a computer and access internet information or classes, etc.? Surey you jest.
In the spirit of Boehner et al's "cut go" rule (any new spending must find its funding by cannibalizing existing governmental programs) the best way to fund this boondoggle would be for the U.S. Congress to deny funds for this program (along with that for the newly approved high speed rail line in FL, etc). If FL still wished to have this program they can exercise states' rights and do it themselves.

We could cut foreign aid.

But this need not involve the hard earned money from those in, say, Boulder CO. Indeed, Florida could encourage Brighthouse to offer this service free by giving them tax credits if they so chose. “Cut GO” would then enter (notably restricted at the state level) by cutting back on other programs, say aid to FL counties to fight fires, trash pick up, free cell phones, or Medicaid funds. However, with the upcoming financial disaster RE many state and municipal employee benefit and pension funding and the resultant threats of bankruptcies, programs like this should be a distant memory in the mists of time.

Your way won't educate Americans. No, we need a federal program to run in all states to retrain our working force to compete in the global market place. Let corporations foot the bill, afterall they will benefit the most from this program. And cutting foreign aid for this service is a great idea!

We have also seen on this thread a do gooder that has no problem volunteering himself, and all other tax payers for that matter, to pay for this. I believe the figure stated was 13 cents per taxpayer (.13/taxpayer). If only. First, this is just one state. Further, as I stated in my first paragraph, this is a past mindset that must be revised considerably. Adding up all such programs along with the present level of the just approved budget extension (to only just March!) their estimated cost has been noted as about 10,292 USD for each man, women, and child in the U.S. (Granted the budget has ‘legitimate’ government spending included but even much of this is contentious.) Obviously not all these people pay taxes, so that individual dollar figure must rise when only those that pay are considered, but sadly, there is more. As of now, almost half of those working, do not pay any taxes…some of these actually receive money from the government. So for those who would actually have a tax liability the dollar figure rises…again.

Yes, everyone should pay taxes and the same amount of taxes with no deductions or loop holes.
” Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes? “

That is the most illogical post made all day long. In a free society why would anyone be stupid enough to do that?? Are you too stupid to understand that everytime you deny some else's freedoms, you have just limited your own??


Looking at your proposed and reasonable caveats to free access to internet content we see the seeds of continued liberal government expansion. Sure free access for the poor seems good, even without porn or games, but it would be only a matter of time before the lefties started their class and race wars and demanded, via supposed 'constitutional rights', that “the poor” should get all that content also.

But you are already starting the class war, dufus!! You are so fucking greedy you cannot see the good the internet can provide all Americans. I best you fought against giving schoolers access as well. You act like grown adults lack will power and morals & ethics. Get a fucking grip.


But that would be the good scenario. We currently see Obama’s FCC trying to take over the internet in the name of regulation. Why couldn’t the FCC just outlaw (by regulation) those things so that none of us get them? After all, wouldn’t that satisfy the left’s goal of “equality”?

And now the childishness pours out. na na na. Want a milk bottle with that whine.

Simply though, all of this comes under the heading voiced by your poll’s third choice.

Supplying dedicated centers for this would be a repeat of the mistake we know as “the projects” in urban areas. This would also necessitate the hiring of more government employees to safeguard both the computers and facility from theft and vandals. The better solution would be to put the computers in local libraries where identification is required (those so deserving get free library cards.) After all this, it is still not clear how effective government job training programs are in actually training and helping participants find gainful employment. Perhaps, some contributors here can enlighten all of us so regarding. Employer feedback RE these programs' efficacy would be invaluable also. But this Florida effort with Brighthouse doesn't even address this question.

JM
Why not put put a computer in the home, just like we put Beamers in the garages of wallstreet CEOs? No, Florida is a waste of time. The federal government has to do this.

...............................................
 
Last edited:
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

The Tampa Housing Authority has secured a $2.1 million federal grant to provide broadband Internet access to 23 public housing sites. Details are being finalized with Bright House Networks, which will provide the service, and residents will be connected beginning March 1.

The project will be the first such one in Florida and one of the few in the nation.

Internet access will be available to about 3,400 residents for free for the first two years. After two years, residents will be able to pay for the access for the next three years for $18.35 per month.

In addition to having Internet access, the housing authority also will make available a selection of computer training options, including basic computer and Internet keyboarding, Microsoft A+ Certification and an online computer curriculum for school-age children.

The program also will help residents get computers of their own by offering 1,000 computers for only $125 and will install almost 200 computers in two communities to offer residents a designated work space. The authority also will launch a website for residents to provide information on housing, employment opportunities, and the like.
Coming soon to Tampa public housing: Free Internet access

No. I'm totally against this idea. There has to be some incentive for people to get off their couches and get a job. Public libraries offer internet access to those without. Also, of someone has a laptop, they merely need to go to an area that gets reception.
 
I can log onto a half dozen different unsecured networks from my home office. I don't as I have my own wireless network. But we dang sure ponied up the money to put it in and pay the monthly fees to use it. And by federal standards we are probably more 'low income' than a lot of folks in those projects.
 
Coming soon for Low Income Folks. . . .Free Internet access and Other Perks

88318_laptop.jpg


So what do you think? Is it a good use of your hard earned tax dollar to provide free internet access, computer instruction, and low cost computers to folks while you are busting your butt to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and you pay for your internet access and full price for your computer as well as whatever you need to use it?

Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes?

Please discuss.

This is part and parcel of the government as "benefactor in all things" mindset of both politicians and citizens that we all must reject in the future. We have also seen the founders original intent that both Senators' and the Representatives' (to the lower house) purpose was to attend to that business which would benefit the nation as a whole now devolve into a Lisa Murkowski/Charlie Rangel like "bring home the bacon" effort. This is simply a perversion of federal government's legitimate roll of protector of its citizens' individual liberties and the security of the nation as a whole.

In the spirit of Boehner et al's "cut go" rule (any new spending must find its funding by cannibalizing existing governmental programs) the best way to fund this boondoggle would be for the U.S. Congress to deny funds for this program (along with that for the newly approved high speed rail line in FL, etc). If FL still wished to have this program they can exercise states' rights and do it themselves. But this need not involve the hard earned money from those in, say, Boulder CO. Indeed, Florida could encourage Brighthouse to offer this service free by giving them tax credits if they so chose. “Cut GO” would then enter (notably restricted at the state level) by cutting back on other programs, say aid to FL counties to fight fires, trash pick up, free cell phones, or Medicaid funds. However, with the upcoming financial disaster RE many state and municipal employee benefit and pension funding and the resultant threats of bankruptcies, programs like this should be a distant memory in the mists of time.

We have also seen on this thread a do gooder that has no problem volunteering himself, and all other tax payers for that matter, to pay for this. I believe the figure stated was 13 cents per taxpayer (.13/taxpayer). If only. First, this is just one state. Further, as I stated in my first paragraph, this is a past mindset that must be revised considerably. Adding up all such programs along with the present level of the just approved budget extension (to only just March!) their estimated cost has been noted as about 10,292 USD for each man, women, and child in the U.S. (Granted the budget has ‘legitimate’ government spending included but even much of this is contentious.) Obviously not all these people pay taxes, so that individual dollar figure must rise when only those that pay are considered, but sadly, there is more. As of now, almost half of those working, do not pay any taxes…some of these actually receive money from the government. So for those who would actually have a tax liability the dollar figure rises…again.

” Or will the payoff of better skilled and trained people be worth it?

Would you approve of all porn sites, shopping sites, gaming sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. being blocked by the internet provider to ensure that the computers will be used only for research and educational purposes? “

Looking at your proposed and reasonable caveats to free access to internet content we see the seeds of continued liberal government expansion. Sure free access for the poor seems good, even without porn or games, but it would be only a matter of time before the lefties started their class and race wars and demanded, via supposed 'constitutional rights', that “the poor” should get all that content also. But that would be the good scenario. We currently see Obama’s FCC trying to take over the internet in the name of regulation. Why couldn’t the FCC just outlaw (by regulation) those things so that none of us get them? After all, wouldn’t that satisfy the left’s goal of “equality”?

Simply though, all of this comes under the heading voiced by your poll’s third choice.

Supplying dedicated centers for this would be a repeat of the mistake we know as “the projects” in urban areas. This would also necessitate the hiring of more government employees to safeguard both the computers and facility from theft and vandals. The better solution would be to put the computers in local libraries where identification is required (those so deserving get free library cards.) After all this, it is still not clear how effective government job training programs are in actually training and helping participants find gainful employment. Perhaps, some contributors here can enlighten all of us so regarding. Employer feedback RE these programs' efficacy would be invaluable also. But this Florida effort with Brighthouse doesn't even address this question.

JM

Superb observations as usual James, and as usual probably most won't bother to read it.

One observation of mine: you stated the 13 cents cited by one member was just in one state. Actually, if his math was correct, which I've already noted it is most likely not, it applies to one housing project in one city in one state. If the precedent is used to expand the program it could be multiplied by many thousands across the land and involved a substantial outlay for every taxpayer even if the 13 cents is correct.

Then add in all the other issues also already raised, and it becomes quite difficult to justify it by any standard.

I propose that people be instructed to go to their local school, community center, library, or other places where public access to computers is common, and use the computers there. That would provide a double benefit of work ethic with people being required to take responsibility for themselves AND ensure that those utilizing public property are those who seriously want to improve themselves.

Nah, that won't work. Felons can't go to schools, and community centers and libraries are shutting down due to budget cuts, and they are an added expense. Stick the computers into the home where it will be used. No building rents, utilities, insurance, etc. need be spent.
 
I can log onto a half dozen different unsecured networks from my home office. I don't as I have my own wireless network. But we dang sure ponied up the money to put it in and pay the monthly fees to use it. And by federal standards we are probably more 'low income' than a lot of folks in those projects.

So you must be making about $400. a month huh?
 
Yeah, I just don't get it.

We provide these people with free housing, free healthcare, free education, free food, free protection, just plain ole ass free money through welfare..........and we already provide free internet through the library. But they want more.
 

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