[dlkinney]

While I have objections to internet-based government interaction, access is not one I worry much about.

We have government-funded libraries all across the country that provide internet access. While I believe that mail should always be an option, ease of access is something that I think is over-valued when it comes to government.

That's not to say that I don't appreciate convenience. Convenience and a broad range of availability are good things. But at the same time, I don't hold the belief that government owes us convenience.

So with that said, and excepting arguments of convenience of availability of internet, I think it's hard to make the case that someone may be excluded just because they don't have internet. Used to be some people had to ride half a day on a horse to conduct some government business. To me, that is the baseline, and anything beyond that is a privileged blessing, NOT a necessity.

I know this is a very unpopular opinion.

[WarChortle]

Used to be some people had to ride half a day on a horse to conduct some government business. To me, that is the baseline, and anything beyond that is a privileged blessing, NOT a necessity.

I'm sorry what? This isn't the 1800's anymore, this way of thinking just astounds me. How can you anyone look at our modern times and say as long as your a half days horse ride away from a government office you got everything you need. You're ignoring that fact most people don't even have horses. Cars have existed for over 100 years now. You could at-least factor that into your baseline.

If we never move the baseline up then we lose the will to advance. We strip the upward mobility of our poorer citizens.

ease of access is something that I think is over-valued when it comes to government

The harder it is for your average citizen to due something the less likely they are to do it. It discriminates against the people who need help the most and concentrates power into fewer and fewer hands.

Take starting a Business for example, the harder it is the less people will do it. This is bad for our economy and society as a whole. Less small businesses means less jobs, less ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty. The more difficult Government is to interface with the more time someone has to devote to dealing with it. It means less time to focus on education or a small business, or their family, or health. It means they are more likely to be stuck where they are.

Ease of Access to Government resources can be directly correlated to some peoples quality of life. Think of Food stamps or welfare to the people who need it.

I think it's hard to make the case that someone may be excluded just because they don't have internet

No, its pretty easy, most libraries have been closed due to Covid. Many people might not have reliable access to the internet atm. Which in the supposed best country on Earth is scary.

[silicon2401]

With statements like this, I can't help but wonder what the person's background is. Not to make an ad hominem, but because the stance seems simply unaware of the realities of life for a lot of people. I've lived in Baltimore, where simply walking around can be extremely dangerous. I also had friends growing up who couldn't afford to pay for bus rides in our hometown (which were less than $2).

If walking to the library literally entails putting your life and property at risk, and you can't afford public transportation, how would you not consider that somebody being excluded just due to not having internet at home?

[travisporter]

This is an unpopular opinion for sure!

- Although much improved over the last decade, library internet is still quite slow and often the desktop computers are riddled with spyware. Yeah, everyone has cell phones, but a temporarily homeless person should still be able to do coursework (obviously a very naive example but still happens)

- Here's an exaggerated counterargument to your convenience argument: What if you had to travel to your state capital to vote or register for a marriage license?

[shuntress]

Something having been worse in the past is not a good reason to prevent improvement.

If you want to make the case that an implicitly enforced delay somehow improves the service then you should provide an actual argument.

Otherwise this is basically: "Things used to be bad and I had to deal with it. Therefor, I would impose this hardship on everyone" which is a relatively toxic way to look at the world.

[forgotmypw17]

All the libraries have been closed for almost a year.

[bigwavedave]

Must be relative from area to area- my fiancee and her sister do most of their college classwork at the library because campus is closed.

[forgotmypw17]

Every public library I've seen up and down the East Coast, dozens of towns and cities, is closed. Some allow book checkouts at the door.

Are you referring to campus library or public? What state?

[bigwavedave]

Ahhhhh my mistake, she's informed me it's the campus library. The lecture halls and general campus is shut down, the library remains open for limited hours.