Executive Summary:
Washington state has been granted $84 million of a $7.2 billion chunk of stimulus money to improve internet access in 24 states. The money will be divided among several internet providers, nonprofits and government entities. The money will also go to create a statewide broadband heath network called WA-HealthNet.
Supporters of public funding of internet expansion argue that this is necessary in order to bring high-speed internet to areas with sparse population or rugged terrain. Everyone needs these connections to get the information needed to make decisions in their "best interest."
One third of US households, most notably older Americans, Hispanics, and the poor, lack broadband internet access.
Opinion:
If we paid less in taxes so that governments can fund projects like this, maybe a few more people would be able to afford internet access! But perhaps that is beside the point. Who says that everyone really needs or wants internet access, especially in their homes, when there is access at libraries, Kinkos, etc.? Yes, many people use it often and well, but do you really, really need it? What if you moved to a rural area specifically so you could be a bit more "off the grid" and don't want it? Is your nanny state government now telling you that you should have it anyway? Why? What business is it of theirs?
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