From:      "T DeGroot" <tdegroo@ibm.net>
To:        NTIADC40.NTIAHQ40(piac)
Date:      11/28/97 1:20pm
Subject:   Political candidates Digital Broadcast System

Advisory Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I write to encourage you to incorporate, into the structuring of the
Digital Television Broadcast sytems and licensing, the allowance for cost
free access to this system by our nations political candidates.  I have,
for many decades, been concerned and disgusted by the BUYING of the
Whitehouse.  I believe this has been the result of the excessive fees
associated with air time.  I am aware of the "public interest" condition
under which broadcast corporations agree to operate.  What greater "public
interest" is there...than who the public has to choose from to run our
country and look out for our highest good.

When television came to be, as you know, the structuring and implementation
of the guidelines, rules, regulations, etc. were written rather
naively...largely due to the fact that those doing the writing had
absolutely NO IDEA how much television would come to impact the people.

You, on the other hand, must be well aware the implications of the this new
medium and thereby understand the complexity of the task before you.  I do
not envy your postion. I do, none the less expect you to take full
advantage of this most opportune moment in history to think for the GOOD OF
ALL.

I implore you, PLEASE, while you are still at the drawing table, in terms
of structuring this medium of communication, PLEASE set it up so WE THE
PEOPLE CAN HEAR FROM OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS...EQUITABLY!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Michelle M. De Groot