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Bush Says Americans 'Ought to Have' Broadband and a Pony by 2007

wrttnwrd writes "George Bush is calling for universal broadband by 2007. He doesn't say how, or who's going to pay for it, or who's going to build it, but hey, isn't almost good enough? (for all of you Boondocks readers out there)" First step to universal broadband: don't have your Justice Department argue against communities providing their own broadband service. And don't forget the pony!

4 of 1,078 comments (clear)

  1. Impact of universal broadband by G4from128k · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Although I am in favor of broader adoption of broadband, I do see a couple of downsides:

    1. More telecom taxes to support universal service (including taxes on VoIP)
    2. more zombie boxen and virus datastorms from clueless broadband users

    We shall see if universal service improves the economies of scale enough to cover the increased costs of taxes and AV/firewall.

    --
    Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do.
  2. Unemployment Rate is a BULLSHIT statistic... by Saeed+al-Sahaf · · Score: 4, Interesting
    5.6% unemployment: Low for Clinton, High for Bush.

    The problem with unemployment stats is that they only tell the story of how many people applied and how many are still on unemployment rolls. The do not reflect those who have run out of unemployment, or took shit jobs asking if you want fries with that. The fact is, good jobs that pay a living wage are growing more and more scarce. Except, of course, unless you happen to be a CEO, in which case you are making more than ever!

    --
    "Who are in control, they are not in control of anything - they don't even control themselves!" - Glen Beck
  3. Leap of Technological Faith by Mulletproof · · Score: 4, Interesting

    "He doesn't say how, or who's going to pay for it, or who's going to build it, but hey, isn't almost good enough?"

    I'm noticing a lot of people don't seem to have a problem believing we'll all be watching hi-def TV's by 2005, but somehow this is beyond the realm of possibility. Not that buying a new hi-def TV will cost you any, right? Ask yourself the same damn questions posed here about Hi-def and you'll probably get answers that can easily be applied to braodband here. I mean, is it really such a leap, or does somebody bare a political grudge???

    Yeah, thought so.

    --
    You need a FREE iPod Nano
  4. Re:Hmmm by forgotmypassword · · Score: 4, Interesting

    When Bush first ran for government in Texas, he ran as an educated person from a top notch school. He talked smart and he lost the election for being an "egg head".

    Subsequently Bush ran as an average Southerner of an average intelligence who "knows what's best". He's done pretty well since then.

    His persona of being a Southerner of average intelligence, average mannerisms, and average speaking has been a core part of getting him this far. I think it's because those are traits that people of average intelligence don't see as being the most important traits to have.

    Instead of intelligence, he has "know how", he "gets things done". Those are the ideals of the common man.

    I honestly have no idea how much of this is natural and how much of this is a show. I would guess that his true person is somewhere between the egghead and the arrogant ignoramus.