said by dynodb :

Gee, the Federal government let politics dictate where the money would go instead of actual need? Unthinkable! That's never happened before...

said by KrK :

Gee, the Federal government let the interests and lobbying of large telecommunications companies dictate how much of the money would go to them where they want it instead of areas with actual need? Unthinkable! That's never happened before...

said by dynodb :

Thanks, but I don't need a civics lesson- I'm pretty familar with how the US government is structured.

This sort of thing goes on regardless of which party controls the White House or either house of Congress. The problem lies with consolidation of power; as individual Congressmen or executive branch officials have more power, it's a given that this power is going to be used to their own benefit, be it financial or political.

If you're a lobbyist, it's much easier to influence a few key Congressional committee members than thousands of individual state lawmakers across the country.

As for the "prejudice and bigotry" bit... I have to admit you've completely lost me... or more likely completely lost it.

said by Time4aNAP :

And your point is...?

said by hitman_001 :

I find these types of threads amusing. They generally turn into a slanderfest between those that live in rural communities, and those that live in metro areas.

In all honesty, why would someone in a metro area care if someone in a rural area got access to broadband?

serving rural areas with those extra comforts it would promote growth outward from metro areas, instead of inward and I think that would be better for everyone.

said by dynodb :

If you're a lobbyist, it's much easier to influence a few key Congressional committee members than thousands of individual state lawmakers across the country.

Issues like rural broadband availability are local issues that should be handled at the state level, not the federal level where decisions are more likely to be influenced by politics, lobbying or simple bureaucratic inefficiency. The story that is the subject of this thread is but one example.

said by Time4aNAP :

For reference:
How does that, and your previous out-of-the-blue comment about lobbying relate to the execution of the RAS legislation?

Although it's getting off-topic, I don't agree that the solution to the PAC problem is to shuffle jurisdictions.

As for "local issues", I don't follow the logic at all. There is a very obvious third option for local issues: local government. But that's not on-topic either...

said by dynodb :

Just who would administer the execution of the legislation?

Do you really think they'd be politically insulated in a place like Washington DC?

Local government is also an alternative; just keep it out of the hands of the feds, who should concentrate on things that only the federal government can do.

Point is- let's keep this example of mismanagement in mind next time someone mentions "national broadband policy".

said by Time4aNAP :

Gentle reminder: It's citizens such as yourself (I presume) who determine, either by voting or failing to, who sits at the seat of power. Rather than curse your own creation (in the collective sense, of course), perhaps you might endeavor to do better the next time around.

said by Time4aNAP :

This one seems to have gone the way of partisan politics, and with only one side at that. I'm amused to see posts that slam unmade points.

Unmade points? I just figured it would be nicer to say it in that fashion, instead of Joe_Cityjerk001 spouting out that people in rural areas are paupers and all they do is squeeze cow tits all day or pick vegetables, and why should country bumpkin inbreeds need broadband in the first place.. and other similar stereotypical horse shit

For one, a lot of my family lives in rural areas. It's nice to stay in touch.

Farmers, Hermits or Wealthy folks?

I'm not so sure about that. As an urban refugee, the last thing that I want is for all of those jerks who have invaded downtown Chicago recently to follow me back to the suburbs. And the last thing I want to see is what's left of America's unspoiled wilderness paved-over to make way for more densely-spaced cookie-cutter mansions!

said by hitman_001 :

Oh so thats why rural america cant have broadband! Lord forbid someone else move near you, lol, I like you.. you make me laugh.

said by dynodb :

Does anyone really think the Federal Government in Washington, DC is better suited to determine which neighborhoods in Texas (or anywhere else) are lacking broadband and which aren't and are thus more deserving of funding?