



I. Taxing the Pipes







FCC internet tax
[Image Source: Hang the Bankers]


II. Plan Has Some Big Supporters




internet pipes



Sources: FCC [PDF], The Hill

Comments     Threshold


RE: Time to press the reset button on this presidency.
By croc on 8/29/2012 3:04:40 AM , Rating: 3
The people, acting in their own interests, would never have built your rural electrification system, or your highly (for a reason) vaunted interstate transportation system. There is a place for a national government to do national things, that are in the national interest. YOU wouldn't do them, because why should YOU pay for your neighbour's road?

Now, I don't know what you call it when everyone gets together to do something that is good for all, not just themselves, but it sure ain't capitalism. And whatever it is, it doesn't live in the US of A anymore. I got mine mate. Fcuk Off!

You're the coolest hippie ever :) +6 post

By Rott3nHIppi3 on 8/29/2012 11:35:07 AM , Rating: 2
And for the record...

Initial federal planning for a nationwide highway system began in 1921 when the Bureau of Public Roads asked the Army to provide a list of roads it considered necessary for national defense.... not really in the interests of "holiday travelers," sort of speak.

By Cerin218 on 8/29/2012 6:28:37 PM , Rating: 1
Commerce would have built the interstate transportation system. Most civilizations have figured out that they need commerce to survive. And the easier they make commerce the better their area becomes.

Of course realize that the States formed the Federal Government and charged it with Defense, Infrastructure, and diplomacy. The instate freeways were built to support defense. And as such fulfilled both Defense and Infrastructure criteria. The States realized that it was easier to get a central entity to plan this. Of course the Founding Fathers knew that too powerful a central entity would result in what they experience and why they left England. But the lazy and stupid among us want and to some degree NEED a central entity and are willing to give up their freedom for the security of being cared for. So you are right that there is a place for the Federal government. Many of us disagree how much power and responsibility that entity should be granted.
Captialism has nothing to do with that as capitalism is an economic structure, not a political structure.

By Ringold on 8/30/2012 3:51:23 AM , Rating: 2

That's a little hyperbolic; again with my earlier comment on expecting anything but bleeding-heart passion from a liberal I guess. I'm pretty sure infrastructure is still being built, maintained, the FAA is still monitoring airspace for us all, etc. If nothing else, defense is the ultimate, pure public good (those participating get nothing but a paycheck in return for the possibility of death, for people they've never met), and thats obviously still being done.

As for other points, the other people covered it mostly, but I'll point out that, by FAR, the best roads in my part of my state are toll roads, and I'm perfectly happy paying to access them. A funny thing happens when entities have ownership over and a profit motive in maintaining infrastructure.. They maintain it!

