AT&T

AT&T/Verizon March 2010; turned down an $7.2 Billion in government stimulus money because there were strings attached and they did not want to be controlled by the government. AT&T also asked the government not to “bailout” other phone and internet providers, hoping, I guess, that by not helping the others it would cut out some competition. No need to wonder why they did not want any government control when you ride down Shoreline Drive. AT&T has leased twenty-eight (28) houses at the River Club. The going rate is anywhere from $1200 to $1500 per day for 10 days. That averages out to $1350 per day for 10 days for 28 houses which is a grand total of $37,800 per day and for a total for the ten days of $378,000 but that isn’t all. Each house has their electric bill and water bill paid for the entire month, complimentary baskets, flowers, copious amounts of alcohol and other amenities are left for the returning homeowner. That still doesn’t put a dent in what they spend. A huge hard-sided tent has been erected; at least 150 feet long and I don’t know how wide, ice sculptures, golf carts, electricity, caterers, servers, gifts for their guest, alcohol, enormous amounts of food, entertainment and the list goes on. It would be easy to imagine all the hidden fees AT&T subscribers pay are footing a bill of at least $750,000.00 for their guest to enjoy a golf tournament. Conspicuous consumption doesn’t even cover it. As one person said to me, “it is infuriating to see what they spend on frivolous things like this when that money could help so many people.” Maybe they could ask Uncle Sam to take the $7.2 billion in stimulus money and help every day struggling families and not to a corporation that spends it to show off.