Friday, October 14, 2011

This is "The People's Plan," huh?

Long before Cain (click title to entry - thank you) was running for president and getting attention for his 999 plan, the residents of SimCity 4 -- which was released in 2003 -- were living under a system where the default tax rate was 9 percent for commercial taxes, 9 percent for industrial taxes and 9 percent for residential taxes.






Now Cain can definately state his nomination is a Populous Choice.  There can be no doubt now.


God bless the USA!  It's going to need it.


This is what happens when 'the people' are pressured through Talk Radio segments to actually have a plan that will propel their FAVORITE candidate to the top or at least encourage him to run.


I remember listening to Cain on a Saturday when the Tea Baggers were numerous and had yet to MERGE.  He put up some kind of website to promote togetherness.  It was before any Beck rally or Palin intervention.  In the early days.  When a radio personality is that instrumental in facilitating the pubic to organize there is an importance placed on that radio personality as a gratitude for the effort.  The people have no other means to express gratitude.  So, I am not surprised Mr. Cain is at the top of the ticket right now.  I find it even more interesting he was the focus of attention for his consistent message of 9-9-9.  He knows his business.  I am sure there is more detailed explanation in the book.


As a side note, my son played Sims City.  Some time ago when 'gaming' was in its early stages.  I think the disc is still around here somewhere, but, he said the Cain Plan sounds like 'the real thing' from years ago.

SECTION 285. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION

“Public Safety Broadband Corporation”


This public non-profit corporation is different than that of the infrastructure bank.  This is based in the understanding the public as a right to safety provided by broadband spectrum, so therefore the most informed members on issues of public safety are to be a part of this "Board."



(a) Membership.—The management of the Corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors (referred to in this Title as the “Board”), which shall consist of the following members:

(1) FEDERAL MEMBERS.—The following individuals, or their respective designees, shall serve as Federal members:

(A) The Secretary of Commerce.
(B) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(C) The Attorney General of the United States.
(D) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

These members are directly involved with the Executive Branch, except, for the Director of OMB.  The OMB is a function of the federal government, but, not completely and exclusively a member of the President's cabinet as are the other three.



(2) NON-FEDERAL MEMBERS.—


(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General of the United States, shall appoint 11 individuals to serve as non-Federal members of the Board.



The assignment of Non-Federal members is even more interesting.  While they are autonomous of the direct influence of the federal government, they are chosen on recommendation by oddly enough the Secretary of Commerce, the AG and the Secretary of Homeland Security.  While that may seem like a conflict of interest, it is not.  There are to be 11 of the Non-Federal members which out votes the federal component and they will be QUALIFIED to be a member of the Board.  Having nominating power of QUALIFIED members is not a conflict of interest, it is an 'assurance / insurance' to the ability of the Non-Federal members to function well in this area.  The distribution of authority will be interesting as well when it comes to the role of these members and whether or not there are 'perscriptives' to their role.  In other words, are they 'at will' members or constrained by certain definitions of their voting capacity.  Only when discussing limited and unequal capacity does it then appear to be disqualifying to the nomination process.



(B) STATE, TERRITORIAL, TRIBAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTERESTS.—In making appointments under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Commerce should—


(i) appoint at least 3 individuals with significant expertise in the collective interests of State, Territorial, Tribal and Local governments; and


(ii) seek to ensure geographic and regional representation of the United States in such appointments;


(iii) seek to ensure rural and urban representation in such appointments.

Those three requirements of the Secretary of Commerce, (i), (ii) and (iii) are very wide ranging and designed to bring DIVERSITY to the choices.  I sincerely doubt ALL those capacities of those subsections will be filed by a MINIMUM  of three persons.  There are going to be many more than 3 to satisfy those requirements.  Not that, with effort, it could be kept to three, but, the likelihood that is realistic is silly and misconstrued to the ability to diversity the Board.

(I) PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERIENCE.—
(II) TECHNICAL EXPERTISE.—
(III) NETWORK EXPERTISE.—
(IV) FINANCIAL EXPERTISE.—



(ii) EXPERTISE TO BE REPRESENTED.—In making appointments under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Commerce should appoint—


(I) at least one individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (II) of clause (i);


(II) at least one individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (III) of clause (i); and


(III) at least one individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (IV) of clause (i).


The qualification above require diversity of interests in a way that would assure qualification.  All the requirements of the Board when determining policy and decision making capacity have to have a Board that will 'enable' efficient understanding of the broadband spectrum, its capacity, it important to safe and sovereign USA and how best to facilitate its use other than that of national interest.  This is no minor Board.


The qualifications are for as much experience across the board in Federal, State, Local and Tribal public safety and emergency response as well as boardband communications, public safety communications, cybersecurity, funding and financing and deploying networks and any combination of those.  There will be interesting investigation of this issue along the way and probably significant public policy as well.  The Secretary of Commerce has the FCC under its jurisdiction.  


This Board is not starting from the beginning.  Much of the work is already in progress under the Recovery Act, which is all the more reason for the USA CONGRESS to move aggressively forward with this bill.


Program-Specific Recovery Act Plan for the FCC’s Efforts on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (click here)


Program Purpose 


As directed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA or Recovery Act) (P.L. 111-5), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) will develop a national broadband plan and consult with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce in their implementation of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).  The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the FCC and following Congressional notification, may transfer amounts to the FCC for carrying out these responsibilities....

This is the autonomy I was hoping for and expecting actually from this President in regard to keeping any conflict of interest out of the nomination process.  Regardless, of the nomination the candidate is completely autonomous in their role and their will of their vote.  The QUALIFICATIONS of the candidate is of most importance NOT their ability to be constrained within those qualifications.  In other words, the Non-Federal members are not simply a tour guide to the Board, they have an active interest in all the decision making and can impact those decisions without constraints.  This careful method of 'building' a successful law is a hallmark of President Obama.  He is expertly efficient in upholding the highest form of democracy when his work can be viewed as an exclusive work of his own.  He is magnificent.  He loves democracy and there can be absolutely no doubt about it.  

(E) INDEPENDENCE.—


(i) IN GENERAL.—Each non-Federal member of the Board shall be independent and neutral and maintain a fiduciary relationship with the Corporation in performing his or her duties.

As there is no conflict of interest in his 'content' of the Board there can be no conflict of interest inherent to the Board member either.


(I) may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Board or any committee thereof—


(aa) accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Corporation; or


(bb) be a person associated with the Corporation or with any affiliated company thereof; and


(II) shall be disqualified from any deliberation involving any transaction of the Corporation in which the Board member has a financial interest in the outcome of the transaction.

The Non-Federal members are not employees or officers of the Federal government, must be USA citizens and have security clearance by the Director of National Security for Top Secret, Special Compartmented Information.


(1) INITIAL APPOINTMENT DEADLINE.—Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subtitle.


The Federal Members serve for the length of their term in the Executive Branch or the Director or OMB.


(ii) NON-FEDERAL MEMBERS.—The term of office of each non-Federal member of the Board shall be 3 years. No non-Federal member of the Board may serve more than 2 consecutive full 3-year terms.


Usual methodology for terms.  This same method was used for the bank.  The difference in more members over three year period.



(D) STAGGERED TERMS.—With respect to the initial non-Federal members of the Board—


(i) 4 members shall serve for a term of 3 years;


(ii) 4 members shall serve for a term of 2 years; and


(iii) 3 members shall serve for a term of 1 year.


(c) Chair.—


(1) SELECTION.—The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General of the United States, shall select, from among the members of the Board, an individual to serve for a 2-year term as Chair of the Board.


(2) CONSECUTIVE TERMS.—An individual may not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms as Chair of the Board.


(3) REMOVAL FOR CAUSE.—The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General of the United States, may remove the Chair of the Board and any non-Federal member for good cause.

Chair is removed by majority vote which indicates a process probably presented by the AG to the facts for the dismissal for the Board's consideration.



(1) FREQUENCY.—The Board shall meet in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation—


(A) at the call of the Chairperson; and


(B) not less frequently than once each quarter.


(2) TRANSPARENCY.—Meetings of the Board, including any committee of the Board, shall be open to the public. The Board may, by majority vote, close any such meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the confidentiality of commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, to discuss personnel matters, to discuss security vulnerabilities when making those vulnerabilities public would increase risk to the network or otherwise materially threaten network operations, or to discuss legal matters affecting the Corporation, including pending or potential litigation.

It would appear, if not stated in the bill, the first function of the Board is to draw up By-Laws.

(i) Prohibition on Compensation. Members of the Board of the Corporation shall serve without pay, and shall not otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, as a result of their service to the Corporation, but shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel expenses,...


These Board members will be employed elsewhere and in some capacity that is responsible to there qualifications.  The Federal members already receive compensation for their offices.  It is possible some non-federal member might be retired or otherwise outside the venue of employment when they serve.



(a) Officers and Employees.—


(1) IN GENERAL.—The Corporation shall have a Chief Executive Officer, and such other officers and employees as may be named and appointed by the Board for terms and at rates of compensation fixed by the Board pursuant to this subsection. The Chief Executive Officer may name and appoint such employees as are necessary. All officers and employees shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.


(2) LIMITATION.—No individual other than a citizen of the United States may be an officer of the Corporation.


(3) NONPOLITICAL NATURE OF APPOINTMENT.—No political test or qualification shall be used in selecting, appointing, promoting, or taking other personnel actions with respect to officers, agents, or employees of the Corporation.

No conflict of interest is everywhere.  Boardband is a highly valuable product that will benefit the Treasury of the American people directly.  The Board or its hired help cannot be tainted to that purpose.


(C) LIMITATION ON OTHER COMPENSATION.—No officer or employee of the Corporation may receive any salary or other compensation (except for compensation for services on boards of directors of other organizations that do not receive funds from the Corporation, on committees of such boards, and in similar activities for such organizations) from any sources other than the Corporation for services rendered during the period of the employment of the officer or employee by the Corporation, unless unanimously approved by all voting members of the Corporation.


(5) SERVICE ON OTHER BOARDS.—Service by any officer on boards of directors of other organizations, on committees of such boards, and in similar activities for such organizations shall be subject to annual advance approval by the Board and subject to the provisions of the Corporation’s Statement of Ethical Conduct.


The same security demands for USA Government clearance apply to officers as well as Board members.



(b) Advisory Committees.—The Board—


(1) shall establish a standing public safety advisory committee to assist the Board in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this Title; and


(2) may establish additional standing or ad hoc committees, panels, or councils as the Board determines are necessary.


Similar to the advisory committees to the FDA, the Board will have the option of opening up topics to the industry and the public and advocacy groups through these committees.  Here again this is democracy at work.  Advisory committees are just that and do not have decision making or voting rights.  These committees provide a board base of opinions as well as fact finding that 'could' assist in decision making.  Here through the members and officers of the Board have security clearance that will also provide information for decision making.  So, while the advisory committee(s) may provide expertise the public may favor, that does not mean the final decision of the Board is incorrect or tainted by personal preference.  There are many voting members so any faux decision will be marginalized to the minority.  It just is that simple.  



SECTION 287. NONPROFIT AND NONPOLITICAL NATURE OF THE CORPORATION.


(a) Stock.—The Corporation shall have no power to issue any shares of stock, or to declare or pay any dividends.


(b) Profit.—No part of the income or assets of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any director, officer, employee, or any other individual associated with the Corporation, except as salary or reasonable compensation for services.


(c) Politics.—The Corporation may not contribute to or otherwise support any political party or candidate for elective public office.


(d) Prohibition on Lobbying Activities.— The Corporation shall not engage in lobbying activities (as defined in section 3(7) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (5 U.S.C. 1602(7))).


Below is a readable document that is not the law, but, a reflection of it.


Lobbying Regulations on Non-Profit Organizations (click here)
Updated May 7, 2008
Jack H. Maskell
Legislative Attorney
American Law Division


Lobbying Disclosure Act (click here)


PUBLIC LAW 104-65-DEC. 19,1995 109 STAT. 691
Public Law 104-65 104th Congress
109 STAT. 691
An Act
To provide for the disclosure of lobbying activities to influence the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,


SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

As used in this Act:


(7) LOBBYING ACTIVITIES.-The term "lobbying activities" means lobbying contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the lobbying activities of others.


I have checked several different places online and cannot locate 1602 of Title 5.  It is probably new and online sources are not updated yet.



TITLE 5—GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES (click here)



The next section is quite lengthy and I'll begin that tomorrow morning.  It would not give it justice to yawn through it.

SECTION 288. POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CORPORATION.

The last time the nation was this upset about their circumstances, there was bloodshed.

It will not happen to these wonderful  citizens that have found a way to bring their plight to a democratic process.  Freedom of Speech is a democratic process.


They are unarmed and alone in their resolve.


Do not make more of this than it is.  They are not the enemy, they are us.


Verbal warning is not sufficient enough to justify action.  They are not allowed to use a public address system and therefore THE AUTHORITY isn't either.  These citizens already know their movements are out of the 'norm' for the park and are using a  trusted method of our government to express themselves.  Verbal warning DOES NOT justify actions against citizens ALREADY resolved to be heard and respected !


Don't even think about it.  It will be noted to be open hostile action against innocent civilians expressing their right of assembly and speech.  It will not be viewed as law enforcement so much as OPPRESSION.

#Occupy Wall Street offers 24/7 vigil for their message of hope.

In a still photo it sure looks like his leg was stuck, but in real-time, the chaotic scene is harder to make out.


Encounters with police are still occurring when the message of this movement is clear.  Non-violence, end the wars, return the USA to its luster and empower this generation of Americas to achieve the American Dream.


Did the Mayor and Police lie about the so called 'threat' against the owners of the park?  It would seem to be the case.  After the citizens in the park were told they would be allowed to stay there was some people that left to return to their 'day jobs.'  When that occurred the police felt more than comfortable moving in on the remaining crowd.  Is there no reputable authority in New York City Hall?.


...Protesters were already scrambling (click here) to scrub the park where they’ve been sleeping and eating for weeks when, under pressure from local officials, the owners of the park decided to call off their own cleanup....


I would not call it scrambling to 'CLEANSE THE PARK,' as the movement has been organizing working groups to address issues of trash in the area.  I believe the continued insinuations by the City and the Park owners that these citizens are not responsible is igniting more and more negative attention to the police presence.  


The #Occupy Wall Street has a message.  They have organized in General Assemblies that no one other than those in the park care to notice.  These citizens are not thugs and they are not bums as they are being characterized by people that are supposed to be responsible for their language.


With people milling about and occasionally finding themselves in the street as they come to support the effort when they are threatened with eviction; it would seem as though police are simply ready to 'Give them a reason."  This is not about obstructing justice, this is about having it work for those that cannot find it in this society today.


The more control the city tries to exert rather than empowering their message the more chance this will become a scene the country is not going to find comfortable to explain.  The police need to realize they are not dealing with a criminal element, they are watching democracy and constitutional rights being displayed.  The "Occupy Wall Street message is very clear, they want justice.  They want the nation to receive justice for the trashing of the American Dream and being trapped in a life with no hope as they WORKED so hard to achieve to date.  Their lives have become disrespected and to continue to do the same will only result in more and more disrespect for those that seek to inflict more control 


Please don't do this.  Leave them alone.  They are solving their own problems in the area.  They are not vermin the city can simply CLEANSE from a park.  


Enough.  They are seeking a voice and the city needs to respect that fact.

Perry's rantings that replace the old Palin rant of "Drill, Babe, Drill" are all empty economic promises.


On many occasion the Right Wing simply likes to express its hate of the Democrats as if we do nothing to allow gas and oil exploration.  It's hideous and if this is Perry's focus it is purely to appeal to his base and not to express any applicable economic strategy.  
...The report (click title to entry - thank you)  also revives an issue that has been mostly dormant since the 2008 campaign, when members of Congress and some presidential candidates backed a “use it or lose it” measure that would try to compel companies to drill.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said the administration will seek to “provide incentives to companies to bring production online quickly and safely.”
Obama’s speech will focus on broader energy goals, part of his response to rising oil prices and turmoil in the Middle East.
The Interior Department’s report says more than 70 percent of offshore acres currently leased to oil companies are “inactive.” Interior’s definition includes leases that are not producing oil or gas and are not in possession of approved or pending exploration or development plans. The department said that covers almost 24 million leased acres in the Gulf of Mexico, which it said could “potentially” hold more than 11 billion barrels of oil and 50 trillion cubic feet of natural gas....

President Obama advisors state "Game On."

The top campaign strategists for President Obama and Republican Mitt Romney are in a war of 140 characters or less, lobbing insults about each other's candidates on Twitter....


The "Mitt" lives all up to that name. Mitt Romney is less a pitcher than a catcher.  He seeks the Presidency while admitting he had to work with  The Lion of the Senate, Edward Kennedy, while Governor of Massachusetts.  What that interprets is that he was the 'go to' guy for those with more clout than he.  He was agreeable and kind and a gentleman while suffering silently.  I suppose he suffers in silence as well when as CEO he placed people on unemployment, downsized companies and pocketed millions.


No one really knows whom "The Mitt" is and to believe he will be a stronger leader is a hideous notion.  He has sold his sole to every Right Wing Palinite that is swinging between Cain and Perry, while 'staying the course' of his 'steady as it goes' campaign.


If elected to office as President, "The Mitt" will continue to 'stay the course' in Afghanistan and may even believe engaging in more war and returning to Iraq due to hostile actions against Saudi Arabia is the best path for the country.  "The Mitt" is 'the old school' Republican.  Is there any other kind?  "The Mitt" believes corporate enterprise rewarded by war, permanent war, is the only course for the USA.  He sees removal of troops as a weakness in policy while implying the USA is superior in leadership that no sovereign authority can match in nation building.


When "The Mitt" left Massachusetts politics he began his Presidential campaign before he exited office.  He knew if he 'kept at it' long enough he would have his rightful place as the Republican nominee.  He was right.  The Republican Presidential nomination is a matter of hierarchical process and nothing more.  


Why are Republican nominations nothing more than a hierarchical process?  For real, why?  


Because the dynamics of "The Party" never change.  They always pander to Wall Street, they always cut taxes and they always trash the Middle Class.  What is not to be a matter of the Royal passing of the Presidential Pay Check and Dinner Guests?


Whom will be his Veep?  Perhaps another one term Governor like himself.


Although Gov. Chris Christie's political image could be enhanced by his endorsement of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, he'll still have to manage New Jersey despite the grind of a national campaign.



Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Iranian plot is not a prominent topic in the Arab News. (Saudi Arabia newspaper that has been online for a long time.)


..."We will not let (click title to entry - thank you) other countries use our soil as their battleground," Preet Bharara, the US attorney in Manhattan, said at a news conference in Washington with Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller.
Manssor Arbabsiar, a 56-year-old US citizen who also holds an Iranian passport, was charged along with Gholam Shakuri, whom authorities said was a Quds Force member.
Mueller said many lives could have been lost in the plot to kill the ambassador with bombs in the US.
Holder said the US government would be taking unspecified action against the Iranian government as early as Tuesday. Asked whether the plot was blessed by the top echelons of the Iranian government, Holder said the Justice Department was not making that accusation.
Meanwhile, an aide to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday denied US allegations that the Islamic republic was involved in a plot to kill the Saudi envoy to Washington in a major terror attack. "This is a prefabricated scenario to turn public attention away from domestic problems within the United States," Ali Akbar Javanfekr, the president's press adviser, said....


The "Arab News" is interested in the Israel-Palestine Prisoner swap, the death of Steve Jobs, opinions in their editorial section, but, not an overwhelming concern about Iran's priorities in DC.  Their news sources are also standard to what the USA readers have as information.  This article is from the Associated Press.


The Middle East nations have joint interest in each other now with the Arab League.  They showed that strength and resolve with Libya.  They aren't going to put up with much and they don't have to and Iran knows it.  


The operations in DC are mostly to embarrass and alienate other nations from the USA.  No doubt if it was carried out, Iran would hope it would drive nations such as Saudi Arabia closer to them in their ideology believing The West is not interested in their safety, the West hate Muslims to the extent they would turn their backs on a plot or even be a party to it by ignoring the threat and it would seek to win over 'the street' as well and even unseat the King as a sovereign interested in the well being of his country and its people if the King were to defend the USA against such accusations from Iran.


There were very real reasons why the Iranians would attempt such an assault.  



Iran rejects US allegations of Saudi envoy plot (click here)


By ASSOCIATED PRESS
TEHRAN: Iran rejected US allegations that two Iranians planned to assassinate the Saudi envoy to Washington, calling it a “untrue and baseless,” the country’s English language Press TV reported on Tuesday.
“Iran strongly denies the untrue and baseless allegations over a plan to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington,” Press TV quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying.
“It is a comedy show fabricated by America.”
Mehmanparast also said the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia could not be harmed by “fabricating such baseless claims.”
“Our relationship with Riyadh is based on mutual respect and such baseless claims will not succeed.”
US authorities broke up an alleged plot to bomb the Israeli and Saudi Arabian embassies in Washington and assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, court documents and a US official said on Tuesday....

In case there is speculation as to the auctions and their ability to attract 'high end' bidders.

A half a trillion is a lot of money per year.  I think anyone can agree on that.  Whom then would be spending a half a trillion for broadband?


Whom purchases Treasury Bills and other instruments of the US Treasury?


Sure, sure, investment banks and the like, but, who can really afford them?


How about other sovereign entities that want their own broadband for their nations?  Sound reasonable now?  Because there are many, many allies to the USA that would love to purchase their own broadband.  


The beauty of this is that other countries not traditionally allies, such as Russia, China, many African nations, the new Libya and others can also send their own representatives to the auctions to facilitate their own economies.


This form of auction is not only good for the USA, it is good for the global economic environment.  If people in Africa cannot market their goods, they in turn cannot market ours in their economy.

SECTION 274. REQUIREMENTS WHEN REPURPOSING CERTAIN MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICES SPECTRUM FOR TERRESTRIAL BROADBAND USE.

Section 274 of The American Jobs Act is a paragraph in length.


To the extent that the Commission makes available terrestrial broadband rights on spectrum primarily licensed for mobile satellite services, the Commission shall recover a significant portion of the value of such right either through the authority provided in section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 ((j)) or by section 278 of this subtitle.


Cited Law:


TITLE 47 > CHAPTER 5 > SUBCHAPTER III > Part I > § 309

§ 309. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE (click here)


(j) Use of competitive bidding


(1) General authority


If, consistent with the obligations described in paragraph (6)(E), mutually exclusive applications are accepted for any initial license or construction permit, then, except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission shall grant the license or permit to a qualified applicant through a system of competitive bidding that meets the requirements of this subsection.


(2) Exemptions


The competitive bidding authority granted by this subsection shall not apply to licenses or construction permits issued by the Commission—


(A) for public safety radio services, including private internal radio services used by State and local governments and non-government entities and including emergency road services provided by not-for-profit organizations, that—


(i) are used to protect the safety of life, health, or property; and


(ii) are not made commercially available to the public;


SECTION 275. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF AUCTION AUTHORITY.


Section 309(j)11 of the Communications Act of 1934 ( (j)(11)) is repealed.


Cited Law:


(11) Termination  


The authority of the Commission to grant a license or permit under this subsection shall expire September 30, 2012.


I am trying to figure out what part of this Senators didn't like. 


SECTION 276. AUTHORITY TO AUCTION LICENSES FOR DOMESTIC SATELLITE SERVICES.



Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof:

“(17) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall use competitive bidding under this subsection to assign any license, construction permit, reservation, or similar authorization or modification thereof, that may be used solely or predominantly for domestic satellite communications services, including satellite-based television or radio services....

Pondering the odds of this failing to pass the Senate may take forever actually.

SECTION 277. DIRECTED AUCTION OF CERTAIN SPECTRUM.


(a) IDENTIFICATION OF SPECTRUM.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Assistant Secretary shall identify...


(b) AUCTION.—Not later than January 31, 2016, the Commission shall conduct, in such combination as deemed appropriate by the Commission, the auctions



(6) At least 25 megahertz of spectrum between the frequencies of , minus appropriate geographic exclusion zones if necessary, unless the President of the United States determines that —


(A) such spectrum should not be reallocated due to the need to protect incumbent Federal operations; or reallocation must be delayed or progressed in phases to ensure protection or continuity of Federal operations; and


(B) allocation of other spectrum—


(i) better serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity; and
(ii) can reasonably be expected to produce receipts comparable to auction of spectrum frequencies identified in this paragraph.


FEDERAL OPERATIONS (click here)
IN THE 1755–1850 MHZ BAND:
The Potential for Accommodating Third Generation Mobile Systems


Well, I'll be darn, the auctions are suppose to produce an income for the country.  Who knew?


(7) The Commission may substitute alternative spectrum frequencies for the spectrum frequencies identified in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection, if the Commission determines that alternative spectrum would better serve the public interest and the Office of Management and Budget certifies that such alternative spectrum frequencies are reasonably expected to produce receipts comparable to auction of the spectrum frequencies identified in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection.



(d) FURTHER REALLOCATION OF CERTAIN OTHER SPECTRUM.—

(1) COVERED SPECTRUM.—For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘‘covered spectrum’’ means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies of 3550 to 3650 megahertz, inclusive, minus the geographic exclusion zones, or any amendment thereof, identified in NTIA’s October 2010 report entitled ‘‘An Assessment of Near-Term Viability of Accommodating Wireless Broadband Systems in 1675–1710 MHz, 1755–1780 MHz, 3500–3650 MHz, and 4200–4220 MHz, 4380–4400 MHz Bands’’.

Cited work:

An Assessment of the Near-Term Viability of Accommodating Wireless Broadband Systems in the 1675-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, 3500-3650 MHz, and 4200-4220 MHz, 4380-4400 MHz Bands (President's Spectrum Plan Report) (click here)

November 15, 2010
Abstract: 
This report presents NTIA’s analysis of bands under a “Fast Track” review.  The report recommends making available, within five years, 115 megahertz (1695-1710 MHz and 3550-3650 MHz) as an important step toward the President’s goal to make 500 megahertz available for wireless broadband within ten years.

By Golly, the government has actually been doing something to benefit the people of the nation.  Could it be our tax dollars they are NOT wasting after all?

(3) ACTIONS REQUIRED IF COVERED SPECTRUM CANNOT BE REALLOCATED.—



(A) IN GENERAL.—If the President makes a determination under paragraph (2) that the covered spectrum cannot be reallocated, then the President shall, within 1 year after the date of such determination—


(i) identify alternative bands of frequencies totaling more than 20 megahertz and no more than 100 megahertz of spectrum used primarily by Federal agencies that satisfy the requirements of clauses (i)and (ii) of paragraph (2)(B);


(ii) report to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Commission an identification of such alternative spectrum for assignment by competitive bidding; and


(iii) make such alternative spectrum for assignment immediately available for reallocation.


Well, if that doesn't beat all.  If the bandwidth utilized by the government cannot be authorized for auction, we get a redress automatically by the Chief Executive himself.

I can say that the newly allocated bandwidth should be given a review by Congress before allocated for auction.  I don't like the idea of simply one branch of government having carte blanc if there are difficulties in allocating the frequencies in the first place.  The reasons being should be made publicly available as well.  That is fixed with a simple amendment to the bill.



(e) AMENDMENTS TO DESIGN REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO COMPETITIVE BIDDING.—


Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)) is amended—


(1) in paragraph (3)—


(A) in subparagraph (E)(ii), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting a semicolon;


(B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and


(2) by amending clause (i) of the second sentence of paragraph (8)(C) to read as follows:
‘‘(i) the deposits—


‘‘(I) of successful bidders of any auction conducted pursuant to subparagraph (F) of section 106 of this act shall be paid to the Public Safety Trust Fund established under section 217 of such Act; and


‘‘(II) of successful bidders of any other auction shall be paid to the Treasury;’’.


Cited Law:


(3)(E)(ii) after issuance of bidding rules, to ensure that interested parties have a sufficient time to develop business plans, assess market conditions, and evaluate the availability of equipment for the relevant services; and


(3)(F) for any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923 (g)(2)), the recovery of 110 percent of estimated relocation costs as provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act.


(8)(C)(i) the deposits of successful bidders shall be paid to the Treasury, except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (E)(ii);


SECTION 278. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH SPECTRUM LICENSE USER FEES.


Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof:


“(m) USE OF SPECTRUM LICENSE USER FEES....


...the Commission may, where warranted, establish, assess, and collect annual user fees on holders...



“(1) REQUIRED COLLECTIONS. –the Commission shall collect at least the following amounts –
(A)$200,000,000 in fiscal year 2012;
(B) $300,000,000 in fiscal year 2013;
(C) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014;
(D) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2015;
(E) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2016;
(F) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2017;
(G) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2018;
(H) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2019;
(I) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2020; and
(J) $550,000,000 in fiscal year 2021.”

Nice.  Not bad addition to the Treasury.  The holders should benefit far above those amounts, no doubt.  The above amounts are the minimum monies to be collected, but, was also at work is a review of the fee regulations to accommodate the tax payer with more relief if the use proves to be lucrative.

“(2) DEVELOPMENT OF SPECTRUM FEE REGULATIONS. –


“(A) The Commission shall, by regulation, establish a methodology for assessing annual spectrum user fees and a schedule for collection of such fees on classes of spectrum licenses or construction permits or other instruments of authorization, consistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity...


Commission may consider the following factors:
“(i) the highest value alternative spectrum use forgone;
“(ii) scope and type of permissible services and uses;
“(iii) amount of spectrum and licensed coverage area;
“(iv) shared versus exclusive use;
“(v) level of demand for spectrum licenses or construction permits within a certain spectrum band or geographic area;
“(vi) the amount of revenue raised on comparable licenses awarded through an auction; and
“(vii) such factors that the Commission determines, in its discretion, are necessary to promote efficient and effective spectrum use.


Number (VI) otherwise known as 6; is a measure of market demand.  It keeps this aspect of fees REAL.  The acquisition of this broadband will fluctuate.  THEY WILL CHANGE HANDS.  In 'keeping up' with price through demand will hopefully limit monopoly as well.  Monopoly needs to be avoided by offering by THE PEOPLE.  No doubt there needs to be policing of the availability of the broadband to be sure there is sufficient exposure to all markets to satisfy THE DEMOCRACY.


“(B) In addition, the Commission shall, by regulation, establish a methodology for assessing annual user fees and a schedule for collection of such fees on entities holding in conjunction with Mobile Satellite Service spectrum licenses,...

Cited Law:


[Title 47, Volume 2] (click here)
[Revised as of October 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR25.149]
PART 25_SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart B_Applications and Licenses
 
Sec. 25.149  Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial components 
in the mobile-satellite service networks operating in the 1.5./1.6 GHz, 1.6/2.4 GHz 

          and 2 GHz mobile-satellite service.

    (a) Applicants for   shall 
demonstrate that the applicant does or will comply with the following 
through certification or explanatory technical exhibit, as appropriate:
    (1) ATC shall be deployed in the forward-band mode of operation 
whereby the ATC mobile terminals transmit in the MSS uplink bands and 
the ATC base stations transmit in the MSS downlink bands in portions of 
the 2000-2020 MHz/2180-2200 MHz bands (2 GHz band), the 1626.5-1660.5 
MHz/1525-1559 MHz bands (L-band), and the 1610-1626.5 MHz/2483.5-2500 
MHz bands (Big LEO band).



FCC Expands Globalstar's (click here)

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:01pm EDT

MILPITAS, Calif., April 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc.
(Nasdaq:GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to
businesses, government and individuals, today announced that the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Report & Order expanding
Globalstar's authority to offer Ancillary Terrestrial Component services (ATC)
in the United States in conjunction with its mobile satellite services. The
Report & Order concludes a rulemaking proceeding that the FCC began in November
2007 in response to a petition that Globalstar filed in June 2006.

In January 2006 the FCC authorized Globalstar to use 11 MHz of its 1.6/2.4 GHz
mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum for ATC. As a consequence of the FCC's
decision today Globalstar is permitted to use 19.275 MHz of its spectrum for
ATC.

In its release the FCC stated, "The Commission increases...the spectrum
available for ATC in the Big LEO L-band from 1610-1615.5 MHz to 1610-1617.775
MHz, and in the Big LEO S-band from 2487.5-2493 MHz to 2483.5-2495 MHz." The FCC
added, "This action will allow greater capacity and flexibility for MSS/ATC, and
will allow...Big LEO MSS/ATC systems to provide improved service to customers,
particularly in urban and underserved rural areas of the United States."

The bill continues:


“(C) Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall commence a rulemaking to develop the fee methodology and regulations. The Commission shall take all actions necessary so that it can collect fees from the first class or classes of spectrum license or construction permit holders no later than September 30, 2012.


I've got a little trouble with the paragraph below, except, the actions to modify will first have to have an impetus based in CHANGED LAW.  That should work.  The Commission should not in any way have carte blanc to change the rules in a whim of political fervor.


“(D) The Commission, from time to time, may commence further rulemakings (separate from or in connection with other rulemakings or proceedings involving spectrum-based services, licenses, permits and uses) and modify the fee methodologyor revise its rules required by paragraph (B) to add or modify classes of spectrum license or construction permit holders that must pay fees, and assign or adjust such fee as a result of the addition, deletion, reclassification or other change in a spectrum-based service or use, including changes in the nature of a spectrum-based service or use as a consequence of Commission rulemaking proceedings or changes in law....


It is my opinion that rule making is the place where adverse elements of the POLITICAL SPECTRUM find their footing to undermine the democracy.  I would think such provisions would be initiated by DEMANDS of the change of law.  Changes in law require legislative authority and the public will have access should the topic come to the floor of either house.  Considering the potential shift in Treasury income that can occur there needs to be protections to that effect.  There is such a dynamic as 'fast tracking' once the public has been aware of any change in law that could adversely effect THE NATIONAL DEBT.  And by adversely effect I don't mean simply a shift in changing the income demands to a different government authority within the federal government such as dried up oil wells.  These are particular capacity of the people of this country and they should have their place of RESPONSIBILITY for the operations of the government.  This capacity should be protected and not subverted to benefit the people of this nation.


This aside.  As I read through President Obama's American Jobs Act it comes completely clear the mind of the master.  He is always CORRECT in content.  Harvard, no doubt.  High integrity and regard for the verbiage that dictates the laws.  There is one aspect he neglects to defend from.  Yes, I did say, DEFEND FROM.  He needs to reach a capacity of skepticism in his composition that words are fluid and to that end the meaning of those words have fluidity and serve adverse purpose to the US Constitution and hence the people of the country.  It is in that 'fluidity' subversion takes place.  It has been mastered by The Rove Republican.  He needs to remember, while he trusts the Executive Branch implicitly simply because he can and should under a well qualified and diverse administration, that may not hold true for the future and the security of our government as generations take their place.  There should always, regardless of level of government; local, county, state and federal; be the provision of all provisions that when 'shifts' in impact of law are changing the public should be aware of the effect of that impact of that shift.  


We have witnessed with the 2010 elections a highly aggressive entity that has caused economic downturn for the sake of political ideology during one of the most adverse economic disasters in our country.  An economic downturn engineered to destroy entitlements and place citizen's lives, organization and structure and livelihoods in peril.  To say this is treasonous is simply viewed as political play while those understanding the 'fluid dynamics' of these shifts see it quite as an assault against our democracy and the people of this nation.  


Entering a provision into legislation that brings the legislative process to HIGH STANDARD will avoid 'surprise' and 'buyers remorse' by the people and save the economic integrity of the USA and its levels of government.  


Simply my opinion.  I am not Harvard.  I am a UNCW biologist with specialties in conservation biology, environmental science and women's studies.


Back to the bill.

“(E) The Commission shall exempt from such fees holders of licenses for broadcast television and public safety services. The term “emergency response providers” includes State, local, and tribal, emergency public safety, law enforcement, firefighter, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies and authorities.


I like that one.



“(3) PENALTIES FOR LATE PAYMENT. – The Commission shall prescribe by regulation an additional charge which shall be assessed as a penalty for late payment of fees required by this subsection.


“(4) REVOCATION OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. –

“(5) TREATMENT OF REVENUES. –All proceeds obtained pursuant to the regulations required by this subsection shall be deposited in the General Fund of the Treasury.”


This Broadband stuff in this bill simply goes on and on.  The President has been very interested in the REVENUES from this capacity of the federal government.  I can understand that.  Considering a use fee annually can be in excess of a half a TRILLION or more for each bandwidth, these provisions are a complete assault on the national debt.  Well done.


Which leaves one to ponder all the more the reasons why the US Senate didn't authorize it.  Odd.  They have personal networks out there we don't know about?  Nah.  I am sure of that were the case Anthony Weiner would be unknown to anyone at this point.  He could literally say, "What transmissions?"


Is the Senate making errors in the number of zeros after the numbers?


THAT IS A FUCKING HUGE SUM OF MONEY TO TURN DOWN.  I think the President really meant this bill to go somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



PART II ヨ PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK


SECTION 281. REALLOCATION OF D BLOCK FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.


(a) In General.ラThe Commission shall reallocate the 700 MHz D block spectrum for use by public safety entities in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.


(b) Spectrum Allocation.ラSection 337(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 337(a)) is amendedラ


(1) by striking モ24ヤ in paragraph (1) and inserting モ34ヤ; and


(2) by striking モ36ヤ in paragraph (2) and inserting モ26ヤ.

Cited Law:


Codes and Statutes - US Code - Title 47 - Chapter 5 - Subchapter III - Part I - Section 337



Section 337: Allocation and assignment of new public safety services licenses and commercial licenses (click here)



(a) In general

Not later than January 1, 1998, the Commission shall allocate the electromagnetic spectrum between 746 megahertz and 806 megahertz, inclusive, as follows:

(1) 24 megahertz of that spectrum for public safety services according to the terms and conditions established by the Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Attorney General; and

(2) 36 megahertz of that spectrum for commercial use to be assigned by competitive bidding pursuant to section 309(j) of this title.

continuing the bill:

SECTION 282. FLEXIBLE USE OF NARROWBAND SPECTRUM.

The Commission may allow the narrowband spectrum to be used in a flexible manner, including usage for public safety broadband communications, subject to such technical and interference protection measures as the Commission may require and subject to interoperability requirements of the Commission and the Corporation established in section 204 of this subtitle.

SECTION 283. SINGLE PUBLIC SAFETY WIRELESS NETWORK LICENSEE.

(a) Reallocation and Grant of License.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to the provisions of this subtitle, including section 290, the Commission shall grant a license to the Public Safety Broadband Corporation established under section 284 for the use of the 700 MHz D block spectrum and existing public safety broadband spectrum.

(b) Term of License.—

What follows is basically definitions.

(c) Facilitation of Transition.—The Commission shall take all actions necessary to facilitate the transition of the existing public safety broadband spectrum to the Public Safety Broadband Corporation established under section 284.

SECTION 284. ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND CORPORATION.

This is similar to the private corporation established in the Infrastructure Bank.  I sincerely don't see ANY justification for those that say President Obama has a distain for the private sector.  This bill alone stands in complete opposition to that ? point of view. ? 

What all Americans stand in distain of is a political party that panders to the private sector while causing harm to the human condition.  If regulation is necessary to protect live and quality of life and Republicans see that as an inhibition to PROFIT then they are an adverse entity to this country.  There are better ways and it is called Research and Development.  If companies and corporations cannot afford R&D under their current CEO, then they need to cut their bonuses and find a new CEO.  

The President is bound by oath to protect and defend this nation.  That oath belongs to the citizens and not Wall Street.

(b) Application of Provisions.—The Corporation shall be subject to the provisions of this subtitle, and, to the extent consistent with this subtitle, to the District of Columbia Non Profit Corporation Act  (sec. 29–301.01 et seq., D.C. Official Code).

Cited Law:

Forming a Nonprofit Corporation in the District of Columbia (click here)

D.C. Council Holds Hearing on New Nonprofit Corporation Law (click here)


MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010

Sec. 29–301.01 et seq. (click here) That takes this to page 76 for tomorrow. SECTION 285. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION.