Should the Federal Gov‘t Consider Internet Access a ’Civil Right?‘ At Least One Faith Group Says ’Yes’
- Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:40am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Is access to the Internet a “civil right?”
Each individual’s answer to this question is generally dependent upon a variety of factors — political affiliation, geographic location, economic status and the like. While one side of the debate claims that high speed broadband access is most certainly a right that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, should enjoy, others disagree.
Really, the entire debate is focused upon the “haves” and “have nots” (i.e. the people fortunate enough to have access at home or in their local communities and those who do not have the ability, for a variety of reasons, to be digitally connected). In a June 2010 article, Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow of the Boston Globe summed the debate up as follows:
…increasingly, activists, analysts, and government officials are arguing that Internet access has become so essential to participation in society — to finding jobs and housing, to civic engagement, even to health — that it should be seen as a right, a basic prerogative of all citizens. And in cases where people don’t have access, whether because they can’t afford it or the infrastructure is not in place, the government should have the power — and perhaps the duty — to fix that.
It’s easy to throw the term “civil rights” around, but what does it actually mean? Many times, people stake the claim that a product or a service is a “right” when they — or others they advocate for — don’t have access to it. But, there is certainly a fine line in some cases between “rights” and services. Let’s take a look at the definition of the term “civil rights” and briefly examine its intended words and their practical application:
rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional acts, especially as applied to an individual or a minority group.
To understand this definition is to understand the contents of these amendments. The 13th amendment abolished slavery and the 14th, which certainly has more layers, was intended to ensure equal protection for all races within every American state. Additionally, the 14th amendment ensures American citizenship. Section one reads:
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
In this section, it is clear that states may not create laws that hamper the rights of Americans. Additionally, every man, woman and child is entitled to due process and equal protection. But, when it comes to the “State depriving any person of life, liberty, or property,” those who call the Internet a civil right likely see the government as failing those who do not have access. To proponents of the civil rights mantra, people are being denied “equal protection.” But, does this really apply to Internet access?
Organizations like Ministerial Alliance Against the Digital Divide (MAADD) would say “yes,” as the group is a faith group passionately seeking to bring technology to underserved communities that currently lack access to it. MAADD describes itself as follows:
The Ministerial Alliance Against the Digital Divide (MAADD) is a next generation civil rights organization led by ministers devoted to bridging the Digital Divide and promoting personal and economic development in low-income and minority communities across the country. [...]
MAADD strongly believes that providing individuals in underserved neighborhoods with access to the Internet and other emerging forms of technology will not only position them for a successful and productive future, but will also provide a platform for communities to participate in social activism on a massive scale.
Critics reading this description may quickly jump on the fact that the group uses the word “civil right” to describe Internet access — something that many people consider more of a service than a right. Yet, due to inequality in terms of access, talk of broadband reform has been rampant.
Back in December 2010, The Blaze brought you a video of FTC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn (daughter of Rep. James Clyburn) discussing her belief that the Internet must become an “open platform.” During this same month, another FCC Commissioner, Michael Copps, said, “Universal access to broadband needs to be seen as a civil right…[though] not many people have talked about it that way.” In response to this commentary, conservative commentator Michelle Malkin wrote:
Face it: A high-speed connection is no more an essential civil right than 3G cell phone service or a Netflix account. Increasing competition and restoring academic excellence in abysmal public schools is far more of an imperative to minority children than handing them iPads. Once again, Democrats are using children as human shields who provide useful cover for not-so-noble political goals.
Below, watch Clyburn’s speech:
Over at The Huffington Post, telecom researcher Chris Mitchell writes that, as a result of its merger with NBC, Comcast is required to make the Internet affordable and available to 2.5 million low-income households over the next two years. Interestingly, Comcast’s Executive Vice-President David Cohen had the following to say about the civil rights issue:
“Access to the internet is akin to a civil rights issue for the 21st century. It’s that access that enables people in poorer areas to equalize access to a quality education, quality health care and vocational opportunities.”
Mitchell continues:
This is why so many communities are building their own next-generation networks – they know that these networks are essential for economic development and ensuring everyone has “access to a quality education, quality health care and vocational opportunities.” And they know that neither Comcast nor the federal government are going to make the necessary investments. They need a solution for the next 20 years, not just the next 2. [...]
The FCC has created a plan to address what it sees as inequalities in Internet access. Iowa’s North Liberty Leader describes the 376-page National Broadband Plan (NBP) as “a major push for a nation-wide data services overhaul.” The multi-faceted NBP originated in the contentious 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (i.e. the stimulus). The Leader reports:
The NBP has been estimated to cost between $20 and $350 billion, part of which may be offset by an auction of wireless spectrum to future 4G wireless providers. The NBP is projected to be fully implemented by 2020.
The FCC’s NBP calls for more access to high-speed broadband, aiming for up to 100Mbps speeds in urban and densely-populated areas but capping rural broadband speeds at just 4Mbps.
Proponents of the “civil rights” semantics do have some valid points. After all, in low-income areas people who find themselves without access to the Internet are at a severe disadvantage. These people can’t search for jobs let alone draft, edit and e-mail their resumes to prospective employers. Worse yet, they may not even know (due to lack of experience as a result of a dearth in technology access) how to utilize a computer.
But, Tuhus-Dubrow points out some of the questions and issues people like Malkin are asking and raising:
…characterizing Internet access as a civil right raises a number of vexing questions. Who would pay to bring broadband into households without it? By creating a right based on technology, are we making it harder for citizens to make their own, equally valid decisions to opt out of using it? And some analysts, while supporting the goal of universal service, simply don’t believe that a digital network should be elevated to the status of a right.
Believing that it’s important for community groups and local governments to work toward getting all citizens connected is one thing, but embracing the notion that the Internet is a right that the federal government must recognize is another. This debate, like so many others, is controversial and multi-faceted. What do you think? Is universal internet access a civil right that the federal government should ensure? Take the poll below and let us know:
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 585 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 412 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (267)
JJBlazeReader
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:12pm..
Not a civil right neither is a telephone, a house, a car, a computer, cable tv or a job.
In my opinion this is just another attempt by progressives to control the content on the web, if this is a civil right then the next step is to implement the fairness doctrine.
Report Post »Baron_Doom
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:21pmIf we don’t stop handing out rights to everything as if it were candy, pretty soon the government will be supplying everything including the air we breathe!
Report Post »Sleazy Hippo
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:34pmIt is not a civil right, but broadband access is a way to build commerce and create jobs in remote areas.
Other countries will establish and maintain competitive advantages over us if they have it and we don’t.
Remember how the Pony Express and railroads opened up the country?
Report Post »thomasdaddy
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:40pmI think you are a bit paranoid! Giving someone access to information is a far cry from creating the information! Do I think internet access is a “civil right”? Only in the sense that I don’t think access to it should be limited to certain people. I don‘t think there should be people that can’t get an internet signal. Now, that doesn’t mean you are entitled to the instruments to surf the internet, i.e. PC’s laptops, phones, etc. Those are limited to what you can afford.
Report Post »I think referring to it as a “civil right” is an insult to those who fought for actual Civil Rights in this country!
VegasGuy
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:41pm70% say, “Yes, absolutely.” Are you kidding me? Looks like The Blaze is getting another one of their polls skewed by activists.
chfields62
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:50pmInternet is not a right, it is a privledge, just like everything else. It galls me how this generation thinks they have a “right” to everything, whether they can pay for it or not…….
Report Post »James Capps
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:51pmAccording to the founders, in the Declaration of Independence and Constitutions, rights come from God, not the government. As much I like and use the internet, it’s not a right, civil or otherwise. Neither is a job, income, a house, HD TV, a car or satelite TV.
Report Post »HD Veteran
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:02pm@VegasGuy MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY .
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:41pm
70% say, “Yes, absolutely.” Are you kidding me? Looks like The Blaze is getting another one of their polls skewed by activists.
Report Post »TEIN
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:04pmI can’t believe some of the comments!!! This is a farce of the highest degree!!! People need internet to find jobs and have a “competitive edge”?? How in the h377 do you think people supported themselves, started business, and lived before internet or even phones?? People in the intercity and urban areas have been lied too, told that they are powerless because of not having something, not smart enough, not talented enough, can’t succeed because they have less revenue than others!!! This is a lie!!!! I grew up in rural USA, and knew more people than I can count that had no higher than a 6th grade education that ran farms, grew food, raise large families, some had successful business, some would be considered in poverty if you only counted money in the bank, and they helped others, fed themselves, and their children went on to be successful themselves. Internet is a luxury!! If it has become a necessity, then this country is lost!!! People need to relearn what it takes to make themselves successful, provide for themselves, and stop the mind set you need a government, an institution, or an agency for you to function in life….. If your highest achievement in life is getting a job, then your bar is set too low….
Report Post »HD Veteran
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:04pmTypical undecided progressive response. It’ll cost more money but solve nothing. TomDad, remember you kids need to grow up in the economy you are working so hard to destroy.
@thomasdaddy
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:40pm
I think you are a bit paranoid! Giving someone access to information is a far cry from creating the information! Do I think internet access is a “civil right”? Only in the sense that I don’t think access to it should be limited to certain people. I don‘t think there should be people that can’t get an internet signal. Now, that doesn’t mean you are entitled to the instruments to surf the internet, i.e. PC’s laptops, phones, etc. Those are limited to what you can afford.
Report Post »I think referring to it as a “civil right” is an insult to those who fought for actual Civil Rights in this country!
Marci
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:07pmI think HuffPo has been hijacking the poll this morning. If not, those of you who think it is a right need a lesson in life.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:17pmWe still pay a fee on our phone bills to extend phone service to rural areas. Where does that money go now???
Okay – deem internet access a civil right. Don’t you need a computer, iPhone, iPad, etc. to access the internet. Are those devices also a civil right?
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:20pmPersonally, I need gas to be a civil right.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:31pmVegasGuy
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:41pm
70% say, “Yes, absolutely.” Are you kidding me? Looks like The Blaze is getting another one of their polls skewed by activists.
I think you are right and I reported your post to bring it to their attention. It looks pretty obvious to me with that big of a spread on the percentage.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:35pmterm limits for congress
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:20pm
Personally, I need gas to be a civil right.
That is ridiculous!….But I’m with you all the way. Where do I sign up?
Report Post »SLARTIBARTFAST
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:36pmHas the poll been hijacked again? Hmmm…
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:42pmThe title says Faith Groups are supporting the internet as a civil right.
I thought Faith Groups was a code phrase for Republicans under the Bush Administration. They wanted pro-business compassionate actions back then. maybe Internet would be Pro-Business, or Compassionate Conservatism.
Of course Ayn Rand & John Gall would say, “E-Screw Em All.” LOL
TEA
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:43pmAnyone that thinks the internet is a civil right only see an entitlement freebie. The liberals lost out on seizing the internet through net nuetrality now they liberals that want to control information are trying to sieze the net by declaring it a civil right. That’s bullsh8t should everyone have to opportunity to purchase the internet yes should it be declared a right no. The fact is anyone can purchase internet excess no one is discriminated against.
Report Post »This is just another attempt by the LIBERALS WHO WANT TO LIBERATE YOU FROM INFORMATION.
southerngal
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:43pmits the new site called “racebook.com” thats pushing for it. A new inter-social network for poor disenfranchised inner city folk. Gimmie dis, gimmie dat, , ooooooooo, you gots sumpin i wants, so handed it ovah. Government gave cable to welfare recipients because it was better they watch tv then be out on the streets causing problems. We still got problems. More social engineering. I QUIT!
Report Post »BSdetector
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:46pmYes and so should housing, a job, food, cars, clothes, golf clubs, cheetos, and crayons.
These things are all basic human rights and those evil Americans are conspiring to oppress them away from people!
In Soviet Union, Rights take YOU!
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 2:02pmIt time for a tax revolt against the U.S. Government I work 50 -60 hours a week so my neighbor can get free housing,free food,the healthcare,free cable and now free internet just because she keeps spitting out a baby every two years.
Report Post »I’M DONE WITH WASHINGTON
Shiroi Raion
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 2:20pmThis poll was spammed by Liberals again? Most likely.
No one has the right to someone else’s labors. That would be called theft unless the government does it. Then it’s legalized theft.
“The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.” – Thomas Jefferson
Report Post »ShyLow
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 2:45pmI want the right to make hard-core porn with the hottest women in the business…and get paid big money for it…it’s only fair
Report Post »mikem1969
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 3:05pmyou said i jj. We have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, nothing, and I mean nothing says we will achieve it.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 3:14pmHigh speed internet is a PRODUCT that is SOLD to CONSUMERS who have the MONEY to buy it. If you don’t have the MONEY TO BUY IT , you don’t get it.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 3:20pm@thomasdaddy
Do you know what you believe? Internet is a right in that service shouldn’t be denied?
Who’s denying service to people? What in the world does that even mean?
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 3:21pm@chfields62
It’s not a priviledge. It’s a service.
There’s a tremendous difference.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 3:23pm@Marci
Re: Hijacking the posts – yeah – notice the oddball handles being used by “commenters”? On another thread I saw multiple “users” posting the same messages under different usernames.
Clearly, they don’t have any circulation, so they come here to get some attention.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 4:06pmexactly. it’s not a “Civil Right”, it has nothing to do with “Civil Rights”.
is television, newspaper, books, or any other form of entertainment and information a “right” ? i don’t think so. school and college are not free, books, magazines and newspapers aren’t free, movies aren’t free.. etc… go on and on. it’s all up to you to choose the form of information you wish to seek, not up to someone else to force information into your brain. i think that is called brainwashing / mental hijack / mental harrasment, etc…
Report Post »IntransigentMind
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 8:11pmEver seen section 8 Housing? Apply it to the internet:
Report Post »http://markamerica.com/2011/08/15/how-to-kill-the-internet/
JJ Coolay
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 6:32amHow is this even a question?? Are our officials SO STUPID to even need to debate this?
Report Post »You buy your internet access or you don’t get it. It’s pretty cut and dry.
hightide
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:12pmNope. It is a service that one has to pay for. Not a right.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 7:28pmTheBlaze title …
Report Post »“Should the Federal Gov‘t Consider Internet Access a ’Civil Right?‘ At Least One Faith Group Says ’Yes’”
… should read …
“Should the Federal Gov‘t Consider Internet Access a ’Civil Right?‘ At Least One SOROS-FUNDED Faith Group Says ’Yes’”
Don’t worry GEORGIE … credit given where credit is due. ;-)
mrmikejohnson
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:11pm“Liberal” and “Democrat” have become synonyms for “communism”.
Report Post »Sleazy Hippo
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:45pmIt does appear that after LBJ opened the Democrat party to introduce American Civil Rights for blacks, that the two parties decided to polarize. All the conservative DemonRats became Republicans and all the liberal Republicans became DemonRats.
Time went by and now the two parties cannot seem to reach reasonable compromise agreements anymore.
Before TEA Party the GOP was fairly pure and voted in lockstep, but the DemonRats have always maintained some moderates like Baucus and Nelson who kept them from ramming things thru as effectively as the GOP usually would.
Report Post »Texas Hills Patriot
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:10pmGimme, gimme, gimme. I’m tired of all this “give me” crap. Isn’t anyone responsible for anything anymore?
Report Post »becker88
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:15pmThat gave me a headache too. What more can I say?
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 10:42pmapparently people strive for the bottom of the barrel today… it’s a limbo world… how low can you go?
Report Post »Livia
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 8:14pmSeems like there is a price to pay for all the “gimmes” and that price is not being paid by the people yelling for them. I used to have family members that did that all the time, that‘s why I don’t consider them family anymore.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:07pmThat woman gave me a headache.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:05pmIs a telephone or a newspaper a civil right? Try freedom from forced dependence. At the mercy of someone else is slavery.
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:04pmIf health care is a right, why do I have to pay for it? And since I won’t have a choice in the matter that I must purchase and pay for a “Right” in this country, aren‘t the people who don’t pay denying other people of their rights?
Report Post »Baron_Doom
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:23pmIf everything is a right, let’s all just stop paying taxes and see if the government will still provide everything for us.
Report Post »Tracking
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:10pmWell said.
How can it be a right if you have to ( ordered by the Gov’t) to pay for it? Are rights now considered only the ones you can buy?
It astounds me that Congress is on stage daily talking about entitlements yet they want to give you more entitlements that they call rights that you must pay for??!! Huh?
This is being considered ONLY because they want the ability to restrict and control media and internet access. This is a way to do that since all other ways have been met with strong resistance and have failed. Little by little, we are all losing “our America” and our Freedoms as we know it. As this Country was founded and built upon. Chipping away at America until it is too late to change anything.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:03pmAgree – another hijacked poll by the libs. Beware Blaze – my suggestion is if you can’t keep this from happening, don’t bother. My vote was no — more of the “social justice” nonsense of the Socialists/Marxists ppl. That’s like saying we should have paid for everyone to have a newspaper (to look for ads for employment, etc.), telephones to communicate, education to learn how to use computers, etc., the list will never end. Look at the whole mess that thinking everyone “deserves”, has a “right” to a house, car, etc. No, they don’t. They have a right, privilege to be able to use their own efforts to make it possible for them to afford these things. I’ve lived in trailer homes, apts. – and it wasn’t that bad at all. Getting way out of hand………..revolt is necessary & coming. Go Tea Party!!!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:40pmI helped get it above 50%, but then they got more people to take it back. Don’t know what they are trying to prove by skewing our polls.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:03pmit is my right to afford gasoline in my car. It is also my right to take my kids on vacation every year, drive a mercedes, and have a high paying job. can I get the NANNY state to approve my requests? I won’t hold my breath!
Report Post »ethomson
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:03pmA lot of the people in poor, low income area‘s need to send resume’s? Really why don‘t they sell their flat panel tv’s, and gold in their teeth. That aside, if they cannot get to a city area where the local libraries generally have pc’s (free), how will they travel to a job? Let’s see……………..free electric cars?
Report Post »HD Veteran
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:08pmBeautiful!
Report Post »Socialism_Is_The_New_Black
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 10:41pmExcellent point! Places with public computers like state run job centers and libraries are all around.
Report Post »Mercy2011
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:01pmOMG! What next? we the taxpayers forced to “provide” computers?
Report Post »Countrygirl1362
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:08pmHow else will they access the internet when the public library is closed.
Report Post »Shellback
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:50pmIt will be an endless supply of computers. The could sell it for cash the file a false report that it was stolen then they would be entitled to another. Of couse they will a cell phone to make the police report. And the hits just keep coming.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:01pmHow about a non-corrupt government is a civil right?
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 10:43pmLOL. Amen!
Report Post »Fiona333
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:00pmWhy stop there? Along with healthcare and internet, shouldn’t also two cars, a home, weekly groceries, an HD TV, and full pre-paid retirement be ‘civil rights’? Just enact the legislation and then ‘presto’! It’s like magic! Oh wait….who’s going to do the work?
Report Post »notavictim
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:42pmThey’re already working on all the above.
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:00pmPut the internet in the libraries, that way everyone will have the same access to it as they do now with access to libraries.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:00pmSo, does everyone think it’s a right, or did someone take over the poll again? Fight back and take back the poll.
Report Post »YellowFin
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:59amIs having electric service a civil right? Is having a computer a civil right? How about a gardener to mow your lawn? All things are available, IF you can afford them.
Report Post »Sleazy Hippo
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:59amTechnically broadband internet is not a “civil right.’ It is an empowering communications infrastructure like the US Post Office, that helps America be the best county on the Earth.
Since the postal service is in the Constitution, one needs to wonder if the Founders would have included other forms of communication infrastructure that would be invented in the future.
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:06pmMan, you ******** are STUPID! The US Postal Service is run so well that it loses @$8 billion per year and you’d LOVE to add a US Internet Service that loses another $8 billion (if we’re lucky).
Report Post »Sleazy Hippo
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:30pmThe reason the post office loses money – it has to serve underdeveloped areas and it has non-compete clauses placed on it by congress. FACT.
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:58amI see a comparison here, Once we make it a “Right” to have it, we can then pass a law mandating that every American be “forced to buy” internet service. If the healthcare law passes, this would make my suggestion legal.
Report Post »American_Bearcat
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:57amDon’t libraries already have computers with internet access?
Report Post »Obama_Sham
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:42pmWe wouldn’t want to unemployed to have to get up off their a$$e$ in order to go to the library to get access to the internet in order to find a job… No, no, no… That is just so inefficient… We will assume that they will look for a job from the comfort of their couch in between crack hits…
Report Post »seeker9
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:52amWhy does no one talk about civil RESPONSIBILITY?
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:59amBecause no political advantage can be gained. Next question.
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:50amNo, one’s “opinion” on whether or not internet access is a civil right does NOT depend a variety of factors. It depends on ONE factor: Whether one is HONEST or DISHONEST.
Report Post »SFYMP
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:58pmRight on! The left has no concept of right or wrong, honest or dishonest.
Report Post »Livia
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 8:18pmSFYMP, I couldn’t have said it better myself. I considered myself a dim untill I interned in one of their offices one year. The things I heard there made me sick to my stomach, and the day I walked out, I went home and scrubbed my sking raw to get the nasty feeling off me. Never again would I go back.
Report Post »I’d rather live in a ditch and starve than do that.
Gonzo
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:50amFlat screen HDTVs will be next.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:57amLooks like some professor in Wisconsin as taken over the polling again.
Report Post »Internet access is no more a right than gasoline in my car. If someone needs the internet to find a job, I need gas to get to my job, so maybe the government should pay for my gas.
HD Veteran
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:09pmI think they use their “tax rebates” for HDTV’s, even when they paid no taxes.
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:50amWell, the libs are running the poll up on this matter. No, it is not a civil right and has nothing to do with civil rights. Well, I have to go back to my Obama green job….yeah, I count tadpoles in pond runoff water….
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:46amLooks like another “hijacked” poll!! Of course, if you consider high-speed access a civil right…….then the computer to utilize it must become a civil right too!!!!!
Report Post »Jack of Hearts
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 12:23pmI’d like to see the numbers behind the percentages on the poll. I suspect that they are very low which is why it got “hijacked”. Any way you can find out how many people have voted?
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 1:11pmI was just going to point that out. Obviously the poll was hijacked. Everything that someone else has is NOT something everyone else has a civil right to own since it is not “fair” for one person to have something someone else doesn’t.
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 6:03pmThe poll I just saw said only 1.73% think it is a civil right while 97.01% does not think so.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 11:41amMy God, people are pathetic these days.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 10:44pm“these days” huh? as billy joel once said… “We didn’t start the fire”… ;P
Report Post »