I used to think that cell phones were luxuries.... - Granite Grok

I used to think that cell phones were luxuries….

Once again, we see that the line at what Big Government defines as the "needs" of those needing "welfare" always seems to go ever upward over time (in addition to what the definition of what "poor" is). I saw an ad on TV the other day (in fact, I JUST saw it again) that if you are on food stamps or receive other type government aid, there is a program just for you.  The actress proudly proclaimed "I can now call my family any time I want!" – she has a free cell phone!

Don’t know about you but I consider a cell phone a luxury – a "want" vs a "need". Handy?  Absolutely, but I am not one that is tied to one.  As such, it comes from my discretionary income (such as it is).  If things were to get tough, it would be banished from the budget.

However, it now seems that those on welfare should now be provided cell phones, free of charge, thanks to taxpayers.  Food?  Shelter? Clothing?  Basic health care?  Yes, especially for those that cannot care for themselves like the elderly, the sick, the infirm, and the mentally handicapped. 

Proof?  I went to the site in the ad – SafeLink Wireless: "SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers."  In their words:

Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is proud to offer Lifeline Service. Through our Lifeline Service you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything – there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.

Any Minutes you do not use will roll-over. Features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail are all also included with your service. If you need additional Minutes, you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any TracFone retailer Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc). SafeLink Airtime Cards will be available soon.

Your exact benefits, including the number of free Minutes you will receive, depend on the state you live in.

The rude truth is that NOTHING in life is free – everything costs, and that cost has to be paid by someone.  It seems, however, that society (more and more) is trying to isolate ourselves from that basic truth (another reason why I really believe that MORE people should help in paying for their government, not just the "rich".  After all, Obama keeps telling me about "shared responsibility", right?).  And that cost, for what many of us would consider to be "want", is borne by us.  It just seems to be yet one more log on the fire.  However, that is not what made my blood pressure soar!  In their About Us:

TracFone Wireless believes that cell phone ownership is a right and an important tool for individual success in today’s world. Everyone should have a cell phone without the need for a contract or a high credit rating. People should have the right to always know what their cell phone service will cost and no one should have to pay more than they want or can afford. TracFone Wireless believes in making the cost to own & maintain a cell phone as low as possible and TracFone Wireless never charges extra fees to activate your service.

A cell phone ownership is now a Right?  Really?  Everyone?  At what point does this process of "everything is a Right" stop?

We all see commercials that state "…you DESERVE this…" or that…but the difference in order to DESERVE it, I ("ME!") would have to pay for it.  I would have to allocate my resources properly in order to afford my bill but yet again, it should be a right.

Sorry, but the Rights that I believe are truly Rights are those that stand on their own: my Right to exercise my First Amendment Right requires nothing of anyone else – they don’t even have to listen to my speech or read my words.  My Right to practice my religion requires nothing on anyone else’s part.  That’s why I totally disagree with the notion of FDR’s Second Bill of Rights which Obama seems to be trying to recreate.  Think of it – just about every one of them REQUIRES money taken from someone else for my benefit – even if that someone is on a lower socioeconomic level than I. 

That is fair?  It is one thing if it is voluntarily given – which is THE moral thing to do.  But why is it moral for government to take from someone to provide me for something else?

>