One of our letters this week points out that there is a cell tower in Shandaken…only there is no cell service because no service providers have chosen to set up shop there. The letter writer, Robyn Pollins, points out the necessity in this day and age in emergencies, such as the ones we’ve just experienced, for cell phone service. Sure we lived without it before, but look at the lives negatively affected by its lack. Witness the uncertainty of people’s whereabouts, of the points of coordination in rescue efforts that are hampered without service.

Ms. Pollins makes the point that utilities, such as electricity providers and heating fuel sellers and even land line, hardwired telephones are required services. We remember (well, we’ve studied in history) about Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification projects, the TVA, and such, and wonder if it hasn’t gotten to the point where cell phone providers should be required to make service available to all.

Yes, we know the reason there are no cell service companies on the Phoenicia towers — not enough customers, not enough profit. What, you say, we’re going to put more government regulation on to private industry? Hush your tea party mouth. Make them do something that is contrary to the free enterprise spirit, something that won’t make so much money? Perhaps you’d like to tax and spend us into it, give them a government handout to make them whole while they provide less profitable service. If necessary, yes. Would you rather your tax dollars go to pay for the Iraq war? Hey, tea partiers need cell service, too.

To me, it comes down to having a government that looks out for its people, working with businesses to provide what’s best for the population. Stockholders will still reap dividends. Cell service is a fine theoretical example, one that, after covering this storm and its aftermath, we are absolutely privy to its benefits, to the disasters that it can avoid.

We say, do what is necessary to provide this service to the entire populace. In modern American life, everyone should have access to life saving service.

And while you’re at it, governmental fellows, don’t cut off FEMA funds. Sure you’ve got problems with the way it’s run. Me, too. But don’t confuse that with the responsibility for helping people through disasters. Make it run better, don’t just throw up your hands and leave people on the street.++