FREE CELLPHONES!!!!!!

I must preface this with saying I am fully aware of the need for social welfare programs in this country. I grew up on government subsidised "Free School Lunch", and would have no doubt needed more government assistance if it were not the church we attended helping us out in times of need. That being said....
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So I'm watching tv on Monday, during the day, (it was a holiday so this is ok for me) and I see a commercial for free cellphones. The add states that everyone needs a cellphone, so the government has made them available. A free phone, with free monthly minutes. The ad states that if you currently recieve foodstamps or other assistance then you most likely qualify. Call to get yours today! So a few minutes later, after my wife revives me from the cardiac arrest this commercial placed me in, and after I brush my teeth (because this ad obviously causes someone like me to vomit), I decide I need to look further into this. This is what I found at www.safelinkwireless.com

Lifeline Benefits

Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is proud to offer Lifeline Service. Through our Lifeline Service you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything – there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.

Any Minutes you do not use will roll-over. Features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail are all also included with your service. If you need additional Minutes, you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any TracFone retailer Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc). SafeLink Airtime Cards will be available soon.

Your exact benefits, including the number of free Minutes you will receive, depend on the state you live in. Please enter your ZIP code to get the details for your state.

Benefits in Massachusetts

Through SafeLink Wireless’ Lifeline Service you can receive:

• A FREE SafeLink Wireless phone
• A FREE cellular plan that gives you 80 Minutes every month
  

Qualifying in Massachusetts

You qualify for Lifeline Service in your area if...

1. You already participate in one of the following assistance programs:

   • Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children
   • Social Security Income
   • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
   • Food Stamps
   • MassHealth
   • Transitional Aid To Families with Dependent Children
   • Fuel Assistance

Now I know I am a mean evil Conservative that doesn't understand the nuances of helping the nation's needy, but give me a F'n break...PLEASE!!! How do people cry about any underfunded social program that might actually help someone, you know, like insurance for kids, when we are now giving people free freakin cellphones. And people wonder why I'm conservative, well this is it folks!!!!

--------------------------------------UPDATE!!!!
It has been pointed out to me that this is not taxpayer funded. I found this hard to believe so I looked deeper. As far as I can tell, some companies claim they are offering this service for free. I assume it so they can sell more prepaid minutes. Don't think for a minute that you do not pay for this! Check your cell phone bill. Look for the "Federal Universal Service Fund" , that is were the federal subsidy comes from. A tax by any other name is still a tax!