The fuse has already been lit for this political time bomb. Unlike the excise tax, the universal service shell game is almost entirely hidden from consumers. As an alternative, the FCC should excuse itself from the messy business of administering tax and social welfare policies. Universal service subsidies, if they have any merit, should be debated publicly and passed by Congress. All the FCC should do is ask for direction and then wait until Congress provides a practical answer with specific guidelines.
Life is better when individuals are able to communicate freely.
As a result, government has an obligation to keep itself out of the business of regulating and taxing communication.