On Pitchforks and Policy

[Commentary] Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has a lot on his plate. On top of running a critical independent federal agency, he now must do so under a cloud of hate speech and death threats directed at him and his young children. This behavior is unacceptable in any circumstance, and it is an especially sad irony that it’s being directed at a public servant who has made it his No. 1 priority to connect all Americans, regardless of circumstance, to the 21st century apparatus by which they can express their constitutional right to freedom of speech. Broadband networks and expanding internet access allow our voices as citizens to be heard like never before. We should be proud of that fact and double down on our commitment to make the most of this incredible opportunity.  But one thing is certain as we work together to shape the internet’s future: debate over policy can’t occur if it’s too dangerous for the nation’s top regulator to set foot in the room.

[Jonathan Spalter is the CEO of USTelecom.]