Jan 08 2009
Option or not?
While on a long distance trip, I made the mistake of listening to talk radio. A man by the name of Mike Gallager had a program that was based completely upon the ranting and ravings of the “converter box” program.
Now, I don’t make a lot of money and I don’t ask the government to support myself, my husband or children, so I don’t splurge. My definition of splurging includes not having cable. I have a basic old color television with local channels and an antenna. I do not and have not missed a thing. Completely happy watching what is or rather, is not, on television. Personally, I think most of what is on television is crap and wouldn’t let my dog watch it, but there are certain things on pbs that we like, including watching the news. We have a dvd player and vhs player, if we want a movie, I have a library card, movies are free there. We don’t ask anyone to feel sorry for us and assist us, we are content.
It grieves me that the government has stated that I have to purchase a converter box to even watch television. They have insisted on this and have given coupons to purchase two boxes per home. You have to go online and apply, they do not just randomly send them to you. Mr. Gallager allowed a man to get on and speak, the man agreed that it was wrong that they were having to pay for the boxes. The man then went on to say, he had two coupons that the government sent him. Do some research Mr. Gallager, this man had to apply for them, he just wanted to hear himself talk. The government ask several questions, including, do you have cable? I have two coupons. Do I think the government should pay for half of it? I sure do. I didn’t ask to change, they did. Do I think there is a motive behind it? Yes, I do. We can track things all over the world, I believe it is just one more thing the government is controlling.
My point? This man, Mike Gallager is outraged that “he”, the tax payer is paying for this. First, I didn’t ask for it, if I want to watch television, I HAVE to purchase a box. Mr. Gallager spends around $90.00 a month for his cable, so he says. Good for him, that is his choice. I didn’t have one. I can’t afford cable, I was happy and now I am not being given a choice, if I want to watch television.
Mr. Gallager needs to be upset over people who are misusing our welfare system that all of us pay for, or even some other thing more important than the converter box program. I still have to pay for a portion of the boxes.
It grieves me to think that this man has the ability to have extras in his life and is so petty to think people are purposely trying to put one over on him.
This was not a choice. If you want to watch television, like we have for decades, you have to purchase a box, it is not a option. Perhaps the anger should be redirected. Not all people in the world want to get something for nothing, they just want to live life the best they can. Remember, the government doesn’t give things away for free. Think about that, Mr. Gallager.
