Biden-Harris Administration's FCC Decision Impacts North Carolina's Starlink Terminal Availability
Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Climate Office labeled Hurricane Helene a "monster storm" on Monday, stating that it unleashed every "worst-case scenario" for western North Carolina. According to Ashville Mayor Esther Manheimer, over 600 people are unaccounted for. The hurricane's torrential rains resulted in 'biblical' floods, wiping some towns off the map.
Widespread Power Outages and Damaged Cellular Networks
Power outages across western North Carolina were widespread on Tuesday morning. Reports indicate that entire cellular networks have been damaged, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The lack of power, water, and communication has forced residents to travel miles for gas, food, and cell service.
Starlink Terminals Could Have Aided Communication
The fragility of modern society is evident when a storm of this magnitude hits the Appalachian region. Elon Musk's space internet company, Starlink, could have provided residents with terminals over the years through a rural federal program. However, the Biden administration's use of the FCC to block nearly 20,000 terminals for the state has left residents cut off from the world.
Former President Trump's Visit and Call for Starlink Support
Former President Trump visited Valdosta, Ga., on Monday where he toured storm-ravaged neighborhoods. He revealed that he had spoken to Musk about providing Starlink terminals for disaster areas. Musk confirmed this, tweeting that SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need since the Hurricane Helene disaster.
Public Reaction to FCC's Actions Against Starlink
Public sentiment on the matter indicates frustration with the FCC's actions against Starlink. Calls for investigations into the FCC and potential lawsuits for misconduct have been made. Some believe that the FCC's obstruction of SpaceX's delivery of fast internet connection to American citizens, especially in regions prone to natural disasters, is politically motivated.
Real-World Consequences of Political Decisions
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of political decisions. Thousands of Starlink terminals could have been operating across the storm-damaged area, potentially saving lives. Instead, the Biden-Harris administration's use of federal agencies against Musk's companies, reportedly over his 'free speech' platform, has left residents without crucial communication links.
Bottom Line
It's clear that the decisions made by the Biden-Harris administration have had a significant impact on the residents of North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The blockage of nearly 20,000 Starlink terminals, which could have provided crucial communication links, raises questions about the role of politics in disaster response. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
