Free cell phones for poor latest taxpayer indignity

It has recently come to my attention that not only do our “poor” get all kinds of “free” services at the taxpayer’s expense, but they now can get “free” cell phones as well.

That’s right, folks! Not only can our “poor” get food stamps, fuel assistance, rent-controlled or rent-subsidized housing, Medicaid, etc., they can now get free cellular phones and phone service for more than 60 minutes per month.

Just when are cell phones such a necessity of life that the government should provide them to the poor? Well, check it out at Safelinkwireless.com.

All you need to qualify for the program is assistance from one of the above programs or your total household income is at or below 135 percent of the poverty level. Proof of citizenship is not required – what a shock!

This is disgraceful. My plan certainly didn’t come with “free” anything. My phone cost $149 from Jitterbug, and I get the basic service at $10 per month. And that doesn’t include federal taxes of about $2. When I use the phone, I pay 35 cents per minute.

So, figure it out, folks. The “poor” get the equivalent of a phone at $149 plus a $10 basic connection fee plus $2 in taxes and 60 minutes per month at 35 cents each for an initial total of $183 and roughly $33 monthly thereafter.

I wonder what else the hapless taxpayers of this country are unknowingly providing to the richest poor in the world.

Jane C. Conway

Pepperell, Mass.