Philly Proposes Internet For All!

[Steve]

Being born and raised in Philly, the city's name catches my attention. This article is probably the best news I've had all day.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040901/ap_on_hi_te/wireless_cities_7

It's about time that a city steps forward and does this. IMHO, accessibility to information for everyone will bring forth the next major milestone in the advance of civilization. Of course, I am also a Star Trek fan, so it fits in with my vision of the future as a potential Utopia. Maybe for my grandkids....just as long as it doesn't become a "Forum Junkie" haven!

 

[ylexot]

That would be cool. How long before we get that here in SoMD?

 

[Warron]

Although this appeals to me at a higher level. After I thought about if for awhile I start to wonder about all the people who will be forced to pay for it via their tax dollars but who don't use it.

I'm not sure its the governments place to provide anything beyond the basic necessities to the masses at taxpayers expense. Sure you need fire, police, infrastructure maintainers, and many of the administrative government services that are paid for by taxpayers. But internet access? No matter how much I, or others, like having internet access. It isn't really a necessary service. And I can't agree with forcing the general population of a city to pay for an unnecessary service with their tax money.

But then again, I don’t live in Philadelphia, so I don’t get a say.

 

[huntr1]

I am all for it. You already pay for the 19th and 20th century equivalent. Public TV and Public Radio and Public Schools. This is no different. Not all people watch PBS or listen to NPR, but our tax dollars support them. Not all people have kids in public schools, but everybody pays taxes to support them. Same for the Public Library System. The library is just an oboslete version of an ISP. It houses books and allows the public free access to them, just as a public ISP will allow everyone access to the internet (assuming they have a PC). Besides, there is a monthly fee for accessing the public ISP in the cities which will cover the costs. It will take a long time to recover the installation costs, but it's no different than a bridge toll.

 

[Warron]

Besides, there is a monthly fee for accessing the public ISP in the cities which will cover the costs. It will take a long time to recover the installation costs, but it's no different than a bridge toll.

From what I've read, one of the options was to offer it free. And besides, saying its being done already for other things is not a very good excuse as far as I'm concerned.

What I find sort of funny, is that people will cry all day at the mention of socializing medicine, a service which is actually needed by most at one time or another (not that I support socialized medicine). But when some unnecessary thing such as this is socialized or subsidized, everyone says what a good idea it is.

 

[Tonio]

I'm not sure its the governments place to provide anything beyond the basic necessities to the masses at taxpayers expense.

That crashing sound you heard was the jaws of the Republican Forumites hitting the floor at hearing you talk like a conservative.

 

[Warron]

That crashing sound you heard was the jaws of the Republican Forumites hitting the floor at hearing you talk like a conservative.

My views on many issues would be considered conservative. Especially when it comes to that of minimal government. Although, considering the growth of government over the last few years, I'm not sure its a view many republican's share.