Please Vote No--Digital Television Deadline Extension

Also e-mailed to President Obama and Senator Dick Durbin

Dear Congresswoman Bean,

I am writing to urge you not to vote for extension of the digital television conversion deadline.


1. More than 94% of households in the U.S. are ready for the conversion.

2. If the deadline is extended, what plans are in place to influence or to help the less the 6% who are not ready? If these households have not yet acted, will another four months evoke action?

3. Televisions networks have invested heavily to prepare for this transition. In these times when many networks are struggling (along with so many businesses in general) asking them to operate two transmitters for another four months is unreasonable and in some cases may prompt or contribute to additional layoffs.

4. Television is not a necessity of life. The poor, elderly and others thought to be slow responders to this transition cannot be without food, heat and other life necessities. They can, however, live without a television and a non-operating television will be, possibly, the best catalyst for action.

Congresswoman Bean, you know that these are difficult times for America and many of your constituents. We need to spend our energies and resources fulfilling the true needs of the afflicted. Let’s spend our time, energy and resources to restore our economy and to provide appropriate emergency relief for life’s necessities.

Thank you for your consideration and thank you again for your service to our community and to our nation.

Sincerely,

Tonia Becker VerShaw
Wildwood, IL

cc: President Obama, Senator Durbin