We’ve always found breitbart.com, one of the nation’s most popular conservative websites, be lively and provocative. But it has bellyflopped into the world of unfair and unfounded smears in a recent article written by John Hayward.
Hayward sets the tone with this opening paragraph:
As CBS News in Denver is careful to note, it’s not really fair to refer to the amazingly foolish and corrupt “Lifeline” program – free cell phones for Food Stamp Nation – as “Obamaphones,” because the program existed long before the current presidency began.
After browsing some of Hayward’s earlier articles at breitbart.com, we can only assume that his specialty is writing intentionally sensational, deeply negative articles. Consider the headlines on some of his earlier work at the same website: “The U.S. Postal Service gets hacked”, “The stupidity of the Affordable Care Act”, “Obama gets rolled everywhere from Beijing to Tehran”, and “Google sued for cheating employee out of hourly pay and overtime.”
The angry words seem to spew out of Hayward like poison from the fangs of an anaconda:
People use that term because a very agitated Obama supporter referred to them as such during the 2012 campaign, apparently under the impression that free cell phones were a personal gift from the Oval Office. Based on anecdotal evidence, I think the term has spread far beyond those who actually saw the “Obamaphone Lady” viral video, and even those who follow politics closely. As one who thinks this program should be killed with fire, and who is not generally an admirer of this President’s works, I’ve always thought it was unfair to call them “Obamaphones,” and it might even be counter-productive, because this dopey excrescence of the welfare state is still going to be wasting tons of money long after he’s gone.
Hayward’s hate continued to flow with these personally-penned gems:
… They were thunderstruck to discover that each and every paying cell phone customer is indeed forking over a surcharge to finance ‘free’ cell phones. Furthermore, the program is positively riddled with fraud and abuse…
..Following the public outcry in 2012, assurances were given that dramatic reforms would be implemented to cut down on abuse … How’s that going? Not so great, at least not in Denver:
… over and over, wireless phone company representatives proved eager to bypass federal rules so they could hand out phones.
… People abuse the hell out of ridiculous government giveaways, especially when the contractors have financial incentives to help them commit fraud? Color me shocked. Who could have seen that coming?
… “Completely free. I didn’t pay a dollar, not a dime, not a nickel,” said the man. “That’s what everybody calls them in the ‘hood, Obamaphone,” laughed the man.
… Apparently the only trick that didn’t work was printing a dummy food stamp card on paper off the Internet, with “TRAINING CARD” printed as the name of the beneficiary. An agent at one of the free phone tents obligingly tried to get Mr. Training Card a free phone anyway, but the system actually rejected that application, so at least we know there’s a theoretical limit to how stupid this obscene raid on taxpayers can get.
An invitation to John Hayward
Please understand, Mr. Hayward, that we fully realize that fraud, waste and abuse corrupt the noble goals of the Lifeline Assistance program. But we do believe it is a noble program that needs to be cured of its problems, not killed.
No one has raged about fraud, waste and abuse in the Lifeline Assistance program nor crusaded against it more than FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. No one. Search our site for the words “fraud” or “waste” or “abuse” and you’ll see numerous articles in which we not only condemn those who are guilty of those abuses, but prod those who are aware of those abuses to report the perpetrators.
Yet, we also understand the vital role this program plays in the lives of America’s neediest citizens. The desperately poor desperately need a way to communicate with potential employers, their families and medical professionals if they are to succeed in today’s world.
Please, Mr. Hayward, peruse the comments section of FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. You’ll see the hopes and dreams of thousands of people who need — yes, need — this program to thrive and even to survive. We think you’ll be touched by their personal stories.
And we hope you’ll reconsider the harsh words in the breitbart.com article that prompted us to write this response.
Certainly, you’ll see an occasional comment from a taker who revels in scamming the system. But they are few and far between. We urge you to reconsider your harsh opinion of the Lifeline Assistance program.
Robert C Manthey says
Not resting too easily yet, are you Mr. Breitbart. I would be remiss not to say that I had to mail in copies of all necessary documents, I willingly pay for extra talk and text plans because I can kind of afford $5 to $10 (more like $5) Rest well, Mr. Breitbart and know that all us pitiful poor are still getting shaft, something you always asked Santa for Christmas.
GERARD says
I have been a qualified Lifeline user for a number of years; and,COX Communications recently solicited me for Unlimited Local and Long Distance for $9.99/mo. They assured me that I could keep my Lifeline ;and it would cost me nothing per month at that price. I subscribe to their Broadband Services. They are now trying to defraud me; and since I live in Sen. David Vitter’s (R,La.) district. I wrote him the following letter.
I am a Senior Citizen on SS,Fixed Income and live in your District. I need your Help from being Defrauded by one of your Corporate Sponsors: i.e.: Cox Communications.
Due to my limited income, I qualify and require a Lifeline Phone. I am well aware of your campaign against Blatant Fraud in the Lifeline Program and that is why I’m asking your Help from your Corporate Sponsor, Cox.
Cox solicited me, offering a $9.99/mo unlimited local and long distance program. I told them that I was on Lifline and would switch Providers if it was Lifeline covered whereas I already subscribed to their Basic Broadband service. The agent assured me that it would be; and I took care of the necessary transfer paperwork prior to the switch. Subsequently, when my 1st bill from Cox arrived it was $135.00. I immediately called them and they made an adjustment saying my Lifeline had not yet transferred. I paid my regular broadband bill and awaited the final reconciliation. My 2nd months bill arrived in the amount of $95.00. Upon my several hour call/transfers I spoke with billing supervisor Bryan #8942; ext.: #2737, whom insisted that “Lifeline did not cover Phone Service; it only covered Federal Taxed and Fees. Also since it was a Special Program it would not cover the $9.99/mo program; therefore, I would be responsible for any charges that they added to my bill.”
THIS IS FRAUD!!!! And they send you Campaign Funds; as well as Ripping-Off a useful and needful program for Citizens like myself.
I am asking you to correct this improper/unlawful action by one of your Sponsors; and see to it that Cox understands that Lifeline does in fact cover “Phone Service”; and if they can advertise Low Rates, those rates Must apply to Our Federal Program(s).
Thank you for your Action and response. I informed your Metairie Office and the FCC of this problem.
Robert Lutz says
there was talk of safe link going to smart phones for us. any news about this.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We’re still waiting…it’s all in trials and it seems to be stuck in trials. Up to the FCC.
john w jackson says
i have a lifeline cell phone and need to get in connection with the com.witch carries the a.t.m phone as i need too renew my service with them,