It’s a small item; inconsequential in the great scheme of things. Yet, it is deeply symptomatic and totally illustrative of where we are as a nation. There are absolutely no consequences for any action in the secure world of the Obamanation. You need never do a thing for yourself. Stumble through life blissfully unaware, certain in your confidence that nothing will ever harm you again.
Sure, it isn’t of the scale of a $787 billion “stimulus” nor even a $750 billion TARP, nor a puny $90 billion rescue of people who don’t pay their mortgage. This is small potatoes. I’m talking about the non-event of February 17th. You didn’t even notice when it did or didn’t happen, did you?
We Didn't Really Mean It
In a world of cable and satellite television, there are still people with analog TVs. Remember the little clicker dial numbered from two through thirteen? It comes with a “My Favorite Martian” sort of headgear thingie that sits on the top. After you select one of the four available channels on the clicker dial, you then twist and turn, extend and bend and maybe wrap some aluminum foil on the tips to try to get a picture. They haven’t made this sort of TV in more than 25 years!
Four years ago, Congress set a deadline of Feb 17, 2009 for people to prepare themselves for cessation of analog broadcasting and conversion to digital. It doesn’t require a new TV. It gets you a better, more reliable viewing experience. It simply requires a “converter” that sets on top of the TV. You can still play with your rabbit ears if you wish. The converter costs about $40 and the government will give you a coupon for that amount to get your box. You’ve got four years to do it. You’ve got four years of public service notices on your analog TV telling you to do that.
Guess what? The people didn’t do it. The minimal percentage of folks who fall into the technologically benighted category of non-converters didn’t do it. The government coupons went out. All of the rescue money was expended. Fifty percent of the coupons never got redeemed! The government can’t figure out that if the money wasn’t spent on redemption, that they could issue more coupons. The morons now should suffer consequences. They should lose their TV picture until they can get off their welfare-fed butts and go the corner store to redeem their coupon.
Not in this country! No, indeed. No one will ever suffer consequences for their inaction, ignorance or failures. The congress has extended the deadline, the broadcasters will be required to continue to waste funds double-band broadcasting. And, would you be willing to bet the slugs won’t be ready in June either?
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