Don't think this is the era of handouts?

[Matt D.]

Think again. Apparently it's a right to have a personal communication device.

https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/Home.aspx

[A//// Guy]

WTF! That just makes me angry.

[Goat Blower]

Plasmas and Xbox's are next.

[Kracka]

Fucking stupid. I can't wait to hear Tom's reasoning for this...

[Kracka]

Here's another one: http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-national/free-blackberry-helps-you-quit-smoking-new-stimulus-program-for-smokers

I guess low income smokers need a free Blackberry to help them quit? Who comes up with this wasteful shit? I can't imagine ANYONE thinking that a Blackberry will provide any benefit whatsoever when trying to quit smoking.

[Matt D.]

Here's another one: http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-national/free-blackberry-helps-you-quit-smoking-new-stimulus-program-for-smokers

I guess low income smokers need a free Blackberry to help them quit? Who comes up with this wasteful shit? I can't imagine ANYONE thinking that a Blackberry will provide any benefit whatsoever when trying to quit smoking.
As the comments said, why do those of us who pay our taxes, pay our mortgage, pay our credit card bills, and don't smoke have to foot the bill for the rest who make poor choices with their lives? I'm going to start smoking so I can get a free phone. I like freebies.

[tpunx99GSX]

Have you verified this. here is the whois lookup for that website,
http://whois.domaintools.com/safelinkwireless.com
It shows TracPhone, which is NOT a government agency. Just because they say its a government sponcored program doesnt mean it IS a government sponcored program.

[polishmafia]

Wow...

The Blackberry for smokers thing is EFFING RIDICULOUS. I am a smoker, and there is not one good reason why I would use MY Blackberry that I bought with my own money to help me quit.

As for the free phones for "low income" people. That reminds me of the old Cricket service from a few years back. Many thought the rumors behind it were false, but it was clear as day in the end user agreement. Google Cricket and phone tapping. ;)

[polishmafia]

Just because they say its a government sponcored program doesnt mean it IS a government sponcored program.

The US Government sponsored my next comment...

Tom - That is the stupid fucking thing I've ever read on this board. Explain why they would promote they are sponsored if they aren't?

[goodhart]

Have you verified this. here is the whois lookup for that website,
http://whois.domaintools.com/safelinkwireless.com
It shows TracPhone, which is NOT a government agency. Just because they say its a government sponcored program doesnt mean it IS a government sponcored program.


Really Tom???? Really?????