Our tax dollars at work.

Since when were the taxpayers responsible for providing entertainment to the masses?

For nearly 4 years we have been bombarded with media notices that television broadcasters must switch from analog to digital signals. This move, scheduled for February of this year, will directly affect only those still receiving television broadcasts by antenna. The rest of us have been paying for either cable or satellite signals.

And since 4 years wasn't enough warning, the federal government has appropriated $1.5 billion dollars (so far) to help pay for a converter box for those who haven't prepared for this "surprise" switch. $40.00 coupons may be applied for to offset the approximate $60.00 cost of the device. Anyone can apply for these coupons, even those who do already have cable or satellite!

Did I miss something in the constitution? You know, the part where it says that the government (translated taxpayer) is responsible for America's entertainment? If TV is that important to all these unprepared souls, wasn't 4 years enough warning to save up the money to pay for the converter?

If that's the case, I'd like $40.00 to apply toward my cable bill; it's starting to get a little steep.