WBS: “Lafayette zegt ja!”

What’s Being Said (WBS) Dept.

Folks in Amsterdam have show an interest in Lafayette’s travails. Partly out of an innate Dutch sympathy and partly because they have similar issues with their incumbent Telephone and Cable providers. (I received a very nice letter of thanks for the FUD article a few months back, saying that a group in Holland was using the argument to good effect.)

In an article titled: “Lafayette zegt ja!” they celebrate our victory.

The Bablefish author’s translation:

Yesterday the referendum concerning glass fibre took place in Lafayette (Lousiana), where we wrote earlier already concerning. Because this was the only subject that it was presented to the citizens, one thought in advance that no longer than 15 up to 20 per cent of the votes cast would reach. It became a rise of 30 per cent, of which in spite of hard anti-campagne of the local telecom – and cable companies 62 per cent yes said. Lafayette get glass fibre, now we still!

“Lafayette says yes!

Yesterday, the referendum on fiber, we wrote about earlier, took place in Lafayette (Louisiana). Since it was the only subject that was being presented to the people, a turnout of no more than 15 to 20 percent was anticipated. The actual turnout was 30 percent, of which 62 percent said yes, in spite of the forceful anti-campaign by the local telecom and cable companies. Lafayette will get it’s fiber, now it is our turn!”

(I’m pretty sure they’re happy for us. But I would be happy to post a more adequate translation.) Miss G, the author of the original posting so mangled by Bable fish has provided the much clarified translation you see above in the comments. Thank YOU!

Another, earlier post, “Ondertussen, in Lafayette…,” from the same site gives some background on their interest. Again, the Bablefish translation: (My picking apart indicates that KPN is their Cox; UPC is their BellSouth; and GEB is their LUS. You’re own your own for the rest of it. )

In the meantime, in Lafayette…

We are not only and also not unique, now appears: -) In Lafayette (Louisiana USAS, Paris) they do not want also already glass fibre (fiber) and are them also (already some time ago) started a site. The local KPN and UPC refuse, thus it itself does the municipality by means of their GEB. Large debate, to in the national media. On 16 July will them in Lafayette in a referendum (that to know we) vote or it continues. Crazy enough its republicans and democrats it a time once: everyone wants fiber! Everyone? No, the cable society of course not. And still a number of people which sees their money disappearing. Verify here it unwieldly (that surprisingly charges slowly) of the antagonists, who are paid by the local UPC.

“In the meantime, in Lafayette…

We are not alone and not unique, as we just discovered 😉 In Lafayette (Louisiana USA, not Paris) they want fiber as well and they launched a site about it quite some time ago. The local KPN (the Dutch telecom company) and UPC (local cable company) refuse, so the community will do it themselves, in cooperation with their GEB (our local power company). There is quite a debate going on, with attention in national media as well.

On Juli 16 a referendum will be held in Lafayette (and don’t we know all about referenda*) about the future of the project. It’s quite remarkable that for once republicans and democrats agree: they all want fiber!

All of them? No, as can be expected the cable company is against it. As well as a couple of other people who see their money disapear. Check the extremely slow loading blog by the opponents, who are supported by the local UPC.”

* Recently a national referendum was held here on the newly proposed European constitution. As most past referenda in Amsterdam, this one was rejected by the people as well. Most people who were in favour, blamed the lousy campaign by the Dutch governement.

They, apparently, are not too happy with their incumbents either.

Update: 9:20; Translations by the author. Thank you Miss G.!