As we know, sitting Senator Claire McCaskill is being challenged by the inept US Representative Todd Akin.
Here is a plus for the Senator, from her web page, "McCaskill Moves to Stop Government Waste in Free Phone Program". Well, the phones aren't free. Those of us who pay phone bills pay for them.
This came up after an SEIU paid protestor outside a Romney rally in Bedford, Ohio, outside of Cleveland, 26 September, talked about her Obama Cell Phone. A good program, but bad optics.
Actually, the idea of giving, say, the homeless, cell phones, makes some sense. That way those who are interested in jobs are always available to those who may have their name and number and a job for them. The program may, in the long run, save taxpayers money. Besides helping people get work, it may serve to reduce the stress induced by being disconnected from family. Less stress means better health and thus fewer trips to the emergency room. Life is complicated and it takes some thought to find the best path to success. In the end, it is about helping the homeless become taxpayers, and a successful part of this great American experiment.
In the mean time, Lowell is looking at its Seventh Conference on Homelessness, later in October. Food Security and Healthy Living is the topic and the date is 26 October, starting at 8:30 AM, but with Registration at 8:00. The location is the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren Street in Downtown Lowell. Costs must be defrayed, so there is a $25.00 registration fee (includes breakfast and box lunch). And, there is a "Gleaning Event" on 3 October at 9:30 AM at Farmer Dave’s farm, 437 Parker Road, Dracut, MA. This event is free. To participate, RSVP to King Linda at LKing@lowellma.gov or call (978) 674-1428.
Regards — Cliff
2 comments:
From Thinkprogress:
Since 2009, there has been an urban myth that Obama created a program to provide free phones to low-income Americans at taxpayer expense. There is, in fact, a government program that will provide low-income people with a free or low cost cell phone. It was started in 2008 under George W. Bush.
The idea of providing low-income individuals with subsidized phone service was originated in the Reagan administration following the break-up of AT&T in 1984.
Note that your blogger settings don't allow blockquote tags in comments. Next time you meet up with Lynne walk her through your administration page to see if that can be changed (I'm sure it would only take a couple of minutes).
I will, because I like "block quotes".
Thanks
Regards — Cliff
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