Rick Lazio on Technology
Keep the government’s hands off the Internet
The debate’s moderator asked Clinton and Lazio: “How you stand on federal bill 602p? Under the bill that’s now before Congress, the U.S. Postal Service would be able to bill e-mail users 5 cents for each e-mail they send. They want this to help recoup
losses of about $230 million a year because of the proliferation of e-mail. But if you send just 10 e-mails a day, that would cost consumers an extra $180 a year. So I’m wondering if you would vote for this bill, and do you see the Internet as a source
of revenue for the government in the years to come?“ Lazio was emphatic in his opposition. ”I am absolutely opposed to this,“ Lazio said. ”This is an example of the government’s greedy hand, in trying to take money from taxpayers that, frankly, it has
no right to. We need to keep the government’s hands off the Internet.“
The only problem is that the proposed bill, ”602p,“ does not exist. The hoax has circulated widely over the Internet since April 1999, despite continuing attempts to knock it down.
Source: MS-NBC report on debate in Manhattan
Oct 8, 2000
Details of “Bill 602P” hoax
The debate’s moderator asked Clinton and Lazio: “How you stand on federal bill 602p?” The only problem is that the proposed bill, “602p,” does not exist. An advisory on the Postal Service’s Web site put it this way in May 1999: “A completely false rumor
concerning the US Postal Service is being circulated on Internet e-mail. A similar hoax occurred recently concerning Canada Post. The e-mail message claims that a ‘Congressman Schnell’ has introduced ‘Bill 602P’ to allow the federal government to impose
a 5-cent surcharge on each e-mail message delivered over the Internet. The money would be collected by Internet Service Providers and then turned over to the Postal Service. No such proposed legislation exists.“ The hoax has persisted despite warnings
on some House members’ Web sites and despite the fact that ‘602p’ is not a valid designation for a congressional bill, which normally bears the preface of ”H.R.“ in the House and ”S“ in the Senate. Nor is there any member of Congress named Schnell.
Source: MS-NBC report on debate in Manhattan
Oct 8, 2000
Technology fuels our economy
The growth in technology industry is fueling America’s economic engine. We should not let this fact escape us as we develop new policies. Our educational system must prepare young people for the high tech world. Our communities must take advantage of
the potential for economic growth technology brings. Technology industry has become the core of economic renewal for many communities. We must expand these efforts and embrace the potential that new technology brings to improve our future.
Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com
May 4, 2000
Maintain a world-class transportation infrastructure
Infrastructure provides the framework for economic and social activity. Solid infrastructure fosters growth and enhances the quality of life for all Americans.
Furthermore, a world-class transportation system is an asset to freedom as well as economic growth.
Source: Issues Briefing, www.lazio.com
May 4, 2000