Iowa senators want DTV transition coupons reissued for severe weather victims
By Darren Murph 
posted Aug 22nd 2008 11:24PM
posted Aug 22nd 2008 11:24PM
Personally, we think the whole three-month expiration on these government-issued DTV vouchers is pretty pointless, but Iowa senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin are pleading with the National Telecommunications Information Administration for a different reason. The duo asserts that Iowa citizens badly affected by the recent severe weather shouldn't have to flip through whatever is left of their belongings in order to scrounge up pieces of a $40 coupon; they suggest that simply reissuing them would be a much better alternative. Can't say that we disagree there, but senators, if you two manage to get this by the NTIA, how's about wringing their arm to get those expiration dates removed as well?
I'm sure those who lost their coupons really don't give a sh*t about that right about now.
I don't think this coupon, or watching "digital tv" is the highest priority for people who've lost almost everything to bad weather. This is a clear example on how out of touch with reality politicians are. What they need to do is concentrate on create a better emergency response system that the people can count on. So many billions have been spent on "fighting terrorism" and a tiny fraction of that has been spent on response teams to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. After seeing what has happened with Katrina and other flooded areas, it reminds me that when it comes to situations like that, we're on our own. Government agencies will drag their feet to respond. And, insurance companies will make use of any loophole to avoid honoring their policies with their excuse that'll bankrupt their company. Well, too freaking bad. You shouldn't have made promises you could not afford to keep.
Back to the vouchers, I don't think these vouchers are any priority to those affected by floods. Donate that money to providing them affordable healthcare instead. These "incentive" sounds like something pushed by retailers to increase their sales at the expense of taxpayers.
The original FCC welfare program wasn't appropriate in the first place. Now some these politicians want to give free refills on the welfare offerings?
Last time I checked our species did just fine without electronic communications in our strive to flourish amongst the animal kingdom and survived the elements just fine. Besides, if you smoke, drink, or any other luxury, or can afford more than one child then you can afford to buy your own converter box for the couch potato luxury.
I know, I know, color me bad.
I agree with all three of these commenters. Also, being originally from Iowa let me add what should be a fairly obvious thought. If the coupons are destroyed I'd have to think that the TV's are in no condition to be watched. Get your soggy butt's to the nearest open store and buy an HDTV with the insurance money! No coupon needed.
I doubt reissuing the cards would be all that necissary. Those who have lost their coupons, probably also lost their TVs. So, unless they received old, donated TVs, they probably will replace the non-functional TV with one with one that doesn't need the converter box. It's not likely that thrift shops were any more likely to protect their inventory of relic televisions either. So, maybe I am failing to see the need to reissue the coupons, but I just think the only option those people have is to buy a new TV that won't require the coupon.
If those people dont need the coupons they wont ask for them!
And Rick not everyone has insurance. You people are hardcore,
what do you care if these poor people that have already suffered
losses get another coupon? Whats wrong with you people.
And FYI if you have an AC/DC (battery power) TV for emergencies
or camping ect. you can use it as a door stop unless someone makes
a battery powered converter box!