Editorial #5- FCC wants Broadband

Broadband has become a major part of Americans' lives. Over the past 10 years, the number of Americans who have broadband at home has increased by 192 million users.

The Federal Communications Commission has released the NAtional BRoadband Plan that faults the market for failing to "bring the power and promise of broadband to us all." What they're saying is that they want the government to fund broadband usage for everyone including the poor and those who do not currently receive it. They stated that it was like the necessity of a telephone. However this Washington Post editorial states that while Internet and Broadband usage has become an important part of daily life, it is not as vital as a telephone, which can be used to call for help in emergencies.

The FCC also wants to expand the broadband infrastructure. Washington Post believes this is an premature action because we can't tell what technology will exist in the future. Also, big businesses usually get involved and that's not what we want right now.

I agree that some of the FCC's assertions are a little hasty. They seem to want to expand their commission without any evidence that states that they need to. However, I think that Internet access is very important for the country. Students who live in poor or rural areas should also have access to telecommunications because that is the primary source of business in modern times.

Click here for the editorial in the Washington Post.

Editorial #4- Politicians' Pocket Money

Where does all of your tax money go? According to this Washington Times editorial, a lot of it goes directly into the pockets of Congressmen. 

It is difficult to win a Congressional election and the job requires a lot of experience and effort, but being a congressman also boasts some benefits. Congressmen's travel expenses are paid for by the government. They can receive up to $250 a day to cover hotel, food, and travel. This amount may not seem like much, but since most Congressmen attend events where their meals and travel expenses are already covered, they are left with extra cash. The Washington Post accuses Washington's politicians of pocketing this extra money to buy personal items or cover their spouse's travel costs. Former Rep. Sue Kelly (R-NY) "There's a tacit understanding that if lawmakers don't spend the money, they get to keep it."

I think it is very fraudulent for American politicians to use taxpayers' money dishonestly. It is clear that the money they receive is for travel purposes and they should be smart enough to realize that they don't get to keep whatever is left. My only complaint about this editorial is that it doesn't provide any specific examples of this occurring. I'm sure it does/has happened before, but they seem to be accusing all politicians of this without any solid proof. 

Click here for the editorial in the Washington Times

Editorial #3- Health Care Plan C?

According to the author of this editorial published in the Washington Post, there are 3 plans to handling the Health Care Bill. Plan A is the current health care system, B is what is being voted on by the Senate, and Plan C is a new idea that would deal with the costliness of health care. 

Plan C would mean the implementation of a "Cadillac tax"on expensive health care plans. The author thinks that these taxes are necessary to raise money for the subsidies of the uninsured and it would be the most effective tool in reducing the cost growth that threatens the nation. President Obama doesn't seem interested in starting this tax, which the author says might be bad for that nation because of the rising national debt. 

I thought that this editorial was interesting because of its proposal for a new health care plan, but overall, I don't agree with the author's ideas. I am not a supporter of the new health care plan so not only do I not want to see it change, I definitely would not want to see a new tax imposed to raise money for it. In terms of easing national debt, I think that there are others ways we could go about solving it other than taxation. 

Click here for the article in the Washington Post.