Evan Swarztrauber
@SayreEvan
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Principal at CorePoint Strategies and Senior Fellow @JoinFAI | Alum: @BrendanCarrFCC and @AjitPai | Host of "The Dynamist" podcast.
Washington, DC
Joined December 2017
Average U.S. fixed broadband speed according to Ookla:. December 2017: 76.36 Mbps. July 2020: 152.60 Mbps. Average speeds have doubled since the Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
If . we . don't . save. net . neutrality, . you'll . get . the . internet . one . word . at . a . time. #savethenet #savetheinternet #netneutrality #onemorevote.
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How it started/is going. Reich was fine with the previous multibillionaires because he agreed with them.
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A solid burn! Obviously an important rule of journalism is that you must always be invited by the authorities before reporting.
UPDATE: The Washington Examiner writer who published photos of Mayor Bowser maskless at a wedding over the weekend was not invited to the wedding.
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All together now: the 👏leg👏press👏is👏not👏a👏 lounge/texting👏chair!.
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Four years ago, the FCC voted to repeal Title II "#NetNeutrality" regulations. As we continue to comb through the wreckage of the apocalypse that ensued, it's important to remember how it all began.
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The @AjitPai FCC was right to ban Huawei from rural broadband programs. The folks who screamed "Protectionism!" at the time should take note of this report.
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As @matthewstoller writes,“If the Chinese government is willing to torch hundreds of billions of dollars to thwart a divestment of TikTok, then clearly it wants to control TikTok for non-monetary reasons.”.
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I'm excited to announce my new firm, CorePoint Strategies, specializing in tech and telecom policy. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the political spectrum on key issues. Thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have supported me along the way.
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The @FCC is claiming the power to control every aspect of broadband infrastructure and the industry itself. To call it "extreme" or "radical" doesn't do this proposal justice. It includes price controls, forced buildout of broadband regardless of ROI, and more.
Next week, the FCC will vote on President Biden’s plan to give the Administrative State effective control of all Internet services and infrastructure. I oppose President Biden’s sweeping, unprecedented, and unlawful plan.
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#NetNeutrality via Title II struck down by the Sixth Circuit. This is a massive victory for @AjitPai, @BrendanCarrFCC, @MPORielly, @TomMJohnsonJr, @SimingtonFCC, and countless others who fought this battle over many years.
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With new fiber-backed Wi-Fi installations, @GeorgiaSouthern's Paulson stadium will be able to support 20,000 concurrent Internet connections at their football games. #CarrTrip
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Congrats to my old boss @BrendanCarrFCC on his well deserved appointment to permanent FCC chair! He's been a great commissioner and will be an even better chair.
Congratulations to my friend and former @FCC colleague @BrendanCarrFCC! He was a brilliant advisor and General Counsel and has been a superb Commissioner, and I’m confident he will be a great FCC Chairman. Best wishes leading the agency!
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1) Government should not be deciding what is true and false. 2) States have regulatory power over companies. "Urging" them to remove content is not some benign act. It's jawboning. 3) If disinfo policing is wrong at the federal level, then it's wrong at the state level.
New: Connecticut’s Help Wanted: misinformation spotter, salary $150k. States ramp up misinfo policing efforts @NYTimes
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How long until #NetNeutrality proponents start calling for ISPs to moderate content because the rest of the stack—edge providers, app stores, cloud providers, etc.—isn't doing enough to save democracy from wrongthink?. 👇💯.
This is correct. And, to every other layer of the tech stack: client and server side ISPs, cloud services, video and ebook platforms, CDNs, DNS, browsers, email clients, operating systems.
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🚨BREAKING: @AjitPaiFCC just announced on @TODAYshow that FCC will vote July 16 to establish "988" as a three-digit code for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. Until providers implement the change, Americans in crisis should call 1-800-273-TALK.
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Huge win for consumers, broadband deployment, and the free and open Internet. The light touch approach of this FCC, which has seen Internet speeds increase by 40% and millions more Americans connected to the Internet, will continue.
Today’s D.C. Circuit decision is a big victory for consumers! The court affirmed the @FCC’s decision to repeal 1930s utility-style regulation of the Internet. A free and open Internet is what we have today. A free and open Internet is what we’ll continue to have going forward.
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This year we've had studies say that both coffee and red meat are fine. This has been a good year for studies.
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Apple is the second most China-exposed company in the U.S. Its high score on @StrategyRisks new index reflects a mix of potential problems, including supply chain dependence, partnerships with CCP and state-owned firms, and forced labor/human rights.
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Who could have predicted that the CCP would access U.S. users' TikTok data?.
In the past week, I listened to recordings of more than 80 internal TikTok meetings about Project Texas, the company’s effort to restrict access to US user data. TLDR: TikTok has been having a really hard time shutting down Chinese access to this info.
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This did not age well.
Not sure why #NetNeutrality matters?. Imagine if your service provider could stop you from ordering Domino’s online — by slowing down your connection or crashing your browser — because Pizza Hut is paying them. 🍕
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Today has been my last full day as Policy Advisor to @AjitPai. It has been an honor and privilege to work at this agency alongside dedicated public servants who accomplished so much over the past four years, from narrowing the #DigitalDivide to promoting U.S. leadership in 5G.
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Always good to remember that #Netneutrality hysteria was so insane that it inspired credible death threats against @AjitPai and colleagues, activists leafleting his neighborhood with screeds directed at his children, and a bomb threat into the FCC on the day of 2017 repeal vote.
🧵Thread🧵. Three years ago, America was locked in a battle for #NetNeutrality, and, by extension, life as we knew it. For the lucky few who survived, I invite you to join me on a quick stroll down memory lane to revisit the doom and gloom we were promised.
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I missed the part where the Chinese people were allowed to choose their system of governance.
China and the US have different social systems, but this is the result of the different choices made by our people, which we must respect. It's also true that we have many disagreements, but that doesn't preclude cooperation.
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Today, @AjitPaiFCC saw the first-ever demonstration of Wi-Fi 6 at the #FCC HQ, thanks to an experimental license. Speeds of nearly 2 Gbps using 6 GHz spectrum! A great demonstration of the potential of the FCC's work to free up more spectrum for unlicensed use.
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My boss, ladies and gentlemen.
Without really thinking about it, just ran an errand wearing tube socks and crocs-sandals . so that’s where we are now.
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Wide range of groups are supporting @AjitPaiFCC's proposal to expand rural connectivity using TV White Spaces. Coalition includes:. 🇺🇸Elected.👩🌾Rural advocates.🏥Telehealth providers.📱App developers.📶Wi-Fi proponents.🤔Think tanks.🏪Small businesses.
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🧵Kudos to @SenMikeLee for officially introducing the #AppStoreAccountabilityAct to protect children online. Google and Apple hold a duopoly over mobile app stores—they are gatekeepers to the online world and exert enormous control over kids' online experience.
I am proud to introduce S.5364, the App Store Accountability Act, to keep kids safe from exploitation online. Too many companies profit from adult content reaching children, and it’s going to stop. First, this bill creates a private right of action for parents and guardians.
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If #NetNeutrality is so important for national security:. 1) Why wasn't that a major focus of this debate over the last 20 years?. 2) Why did Chair Rosenworcel wait until two weeks ago to take action on it? Her colleagues have been more than willing to work with her on nat sec.
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Twitter banned an account for mocking, *checks notes, the North Korean government. Thank you @Twitter for taking these important steps to protect users from misinformation, previously known as comedy.
I’m sorry to say effective immediately @DPRK_News is defunct. I founded the account in 2009. Twitter decided today that it violates their rules. I’m not going to label a parody a parody. That moots the point. It gives away the joke. The DPRK never complained. One of you did.
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"China robs U.S. companies of their intellectual property, replicates the technology, and then replaces the U.S. firms in the global marketplace." - @DNI_Ratcliffe.
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"On the contrary, in the two years since the repeal of net neutrality, more than 6 million people have gained access to the internet. Internet speeds have increased as well." - @caseyJGiven
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The FCC is about to grant itself the power to regulate every aspect of the broadband ecosystem—prices, construction crews, marketing, contract terms—despite admitting they found "little or no evidence" of digital discrimination. Congress did not grant such broad authority.
The FCC's Nov. Open Meeting will take place today starting at 10:30 a.m. ET with an agenda which includes proposed rules for taking new measures to close the digital divide, exploring the implications of AI for robocalls & robotexts, and more. Tune in:
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Really excited to @JoinLincoln as an advisor on tech and telecom policy. From broadband and spectrum to Internet governance, there's plenty of work to be done with this fantastic team. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and special thanks to @ZacharyGraves and @GraceHMeyer!.
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Activists: "FCC can't afford to waste a single second" on #NetNeutrality. The rules have been gone for over 5 years. Other than ATT giving people free HBO for a hot sec, where are the "disastrous" effects?
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Internet access has gotten faster and cheaper since the repeal of Title II, “#NetNeutrality,” the exact opposite of what activists claimed would happen. @Comm4Prosperity new report has more
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"The repeal of Title II net neutrality has been in place for some 3 years, and broadband internet speeds, investment, and competition have improved. Regulatory proponents made prophesies of doom about the repeal, but they never happened." - @RoslynLayton
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My heart goes out to these children who are forced to wear matching t-shirts for their class trips to DC. 🙏♥️.
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As 2019 winds to a close, time to finally post a #10YearChallenge. Can you tell which one is high school graduation?
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Under @AjitPaiFCC, the #FCC has gotten a lot done in the past three years:. ✅Bridging #DigitalDivide.✅Promoting investment and innovation.✅Protecting Consumers.✅Enhancing Public Safety.✅Transparency & Process Reforms.✅Modernizing regs. Read here:
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I’m a free speech guy but the people who shout “Get in the hole!” after every shot @usopengolf should be jailed.
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Congratulations to my friend @BrendanCarrFCC on becoming FCC chair today! . He will be a great leader of the agency and deliver wins on a wide range of issues for consumers and the country.
I am deeply grateful to President Trump and honored by his decision to designate me as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I have had the privilege of working at the FCC for over a dozen years now, including serving previously as the agency's General Counsel. I
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As Apple gets hit with @TheJusticeDept lawsuit, Tim Cook is in China where he pledged increased investment and said:. “There’s no supply chain in the world that’s more critical to us than China.”. Chinese state-run media seems quite happy with the visit and his remarks.
Apple CEO Tim Cook opens new Shanghai store, signaling his company’s commitment to China as a market and production base
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5 years ago, I replaced replacement-level @NathanLeamerDC as Policy Advisor to @AjitPai. As reported, this was a job that basically any young person with free-market views could do.
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Incredible. We could be in a situation where Americans can smoke cigarettes freely but not use a popular vaping product. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out that lighting tobacco on fire and inhaling it into your lungs is worse than vaping a Juul pod.
Juul e-cigarettes could be ordered off the U.S. market by the FDA as soon as today, people familiar say
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🚨More good news for rural broadband! @AjitPaiFCC proposes to update TV white space rules to expand connectivity for rural Americans. Use of spectrum between TV channels will expand broadband coverage while ensuring broadcast stations are protected.
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The Venn diagram of #NetNeutrality alarmists and people who want tech companies to censor political speech they disagree with is basically a circle.
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It's been an honor to work for @BrendanCarrFCC, and I'm proud to have played a small role in all he has accomplished--from major reforms that helped secure U.S. leadership in 5G to standing up a new telehealth program for low-income Americans and veterans.
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The @WSJ Editorial Board has endorsed @AjitPaiFCC's plan to supercharge Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band.
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@RobAtkinsonITIF As a realist, I think it's bad that several of our Big Tech companies are so entangled and beholden to China that they invest hundreds of billions of dollars there, hand over sensitive trade secrets and IP in exchange for market access, and help the CCP oppress its people.
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🧵The FCC, under @AjitPaiFCC's leadership, has taken unprecedented action to respond to #COVID19 and #KeepAmericansConnected. From boosting networks with additional spectrum to supporting telehealth to ensuring more unemployed Americans get connected.
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Idea for a band name: "I apologize for the delayed response.".
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New report from @CPSThinkTank shows political bias of AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. 80% of LLM policy recommendations skewed left and the bots expressed much more negative sentiment about center-right parties or ideologies.
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Happy #Festivus to all who:. ☑️Walk too slowly.☑️Stop in sidewalks to take pictures.☑️Slow down thru yellow lights.☑️Stand in the center of escalators.☑️Don't know how to swipe MetroCard. Today is your day!.
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The FCC is about to supercharge Wi-Fi, and @AjitPaiFCC's plan has drawn overwhelming support from consumer advocates, think tanks, tech companies big and small, rural ISPs, members of Congress and more. See what they're saying here:
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🚨@AjitPaiFCC launches Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Dozens of companies have agreed:. 📵Not to terminate service for inability to pay bills.💵Waive late fees due to economic circumstances.📶Open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them. Details:
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In unrelated news, my title has been changed to "Acting Policy Advisor.".
It was my and @EvanS_FCC’s honor to lose narrowly—a nail-bitingly close 21-4 contest—in the Chairman’s Cornhole Cup today as part of our effort to encourage @FCC employees to participate in @CFC campaign. Congrats to the champs! I’m already working out for the rematch.
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Packed house as the #FCC says farewell to a legend, a model public servant, and a national treasure: Julie Knapp, Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology.
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The FCC and @AjitPaiFCC are pulling out all the stops to #KeepAmericansConnected during the #COVID19 outbreak. 🧵A thread👇.
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Great visiting Ponderosa Dairy, which thanks to broadband has "connected cows." #InternetofLivingThings
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Some personal news: it turns out I already wrote an autobiography years ago👇
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Today, the loudest cheerleaders of Internet and media censorship will tell you that we need #NetNeutrality to protect free speech.
BREAKING: @FCC to restore authority to protect the open internet and oversee ISPs. "We applaud FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel for getting right to work on protecting broadband consumers now that we have a full FCC." - @JGo4Justice, Free Press co-CEO.
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RT if you started Keenan Allen in your fantasy playoffs and he's hurt 🤦♂️.
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It's that time of year when Midwesterners pretend to enjoy the freezing cold weather.
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Could I be any more awkward? Probably.
Bittersweet and (WARNING) apparently very awkward day in the office. 😂. Many thanks to the talented @EvanS_FCC for your 2 years of service as my policy advisor and for all your contributions. Glad the FCC will still benefit from your service as a new advisor to @AjitPaiFCC.
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A myth pushed by #NetNeutrality activists is that Europe has superior broadband. And by imposing utility-style regulation, we can import that Nirvana. But the facts say the exact opposite. America beats Europe on:. ⏩Speed.🥊Competition.📶Availability.🔌Adoption.🏗️Investment.
.@BrendanCarrFCC says it best:."America’s networks are not broken. Our light-touch regulatory model has not failed. But Europe’s utility-style regime has. So . Why is the FCC proposing to make networks in America look more like the fragile, underinvested ones in Europe?"
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🧵Two of President Obama's solicitor generals say FCC would be wasting its time reinstating Title II "#NetNeutrality" . They note SCOTUS major questions doctrine preventing agencies from imposing regulations not authorized by Congress.
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There's been some myths floating around about the 5.9 GHz band and the #FCC's proposal to free up this spectrum for unlicensed use (like Wi-Fi) and next-gen auto safety technology (C-V2X). So, a thread 👇.
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Big if true!.
Costume of the year! The New York Jets dressed up as an NFL football team for Halloween!
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The Dulles people mover is the worst form of transportation in the history of man.
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Reminder: ISPs are not blocking, throttling, and discriminating against content. Hysteria over #NetNeutrality was baseles and the absurd predictions never came to pass. There is plenty of discriminatory conduct online, just not at the network layer. Look elsewhere in the stack.
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Can't believe this needs to be said, but 5G does NOT cause coronavirus. It is shameful that some celebrities with big followings are peddling this dangerous nonsense.
FACT: 5G technology does not cause coronavirus. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Always go to trusted sources for information. Visit #COVID19.
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A single mile of fiber can cost $50,000. In revoking Starlink's RDOF grants, the FCC cited the $600 upfront cost of a dish as too costly. It's good to see @NTIAgov shift its tone on LEOs, but gov't's thinking overall on funding high-cost areas has long been incoherent.
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"If the Chinese government is willing to use its leverage over things like professional basketball and Taiwanese flag emojis, imagine what could happen if we allowed Chinese company equipment into our 5G networks." - @AjitPaiFCC
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4A or 4B, because I like the taste of coffee.
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Bars and restaurants have had it too easy during the pandemic. Glad DC is putting them in their place.
Here’s updated list. ABC Board meets tomorrow and expect them to suspend the @thebigboarddc liquor license. @JunctionCapHill was warned yesterday for not checking. @dirtywaterdc @PearlDiveDC Red Lounge and Empire as well
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Good news for consumers: @BrendanCarrFCC kills proposal to ban bulk billing of broadband, a practice that tends to see consumers pay 50% less for Internet access. Prior FCC had proposed a ban on bulk billing due to a handful of complaints. Report from @TedatPolicyband here👇
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While many in Washington called for endless delay, the FCC pressed forward with its approach to freeing up the C-Band for 5G. "The acceptance of accelerated relocation by all eligible satellite operators vindicates the FCC’s approach[.]" - @AjitPaiFCC
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People are focused on Gritty. But can we discuss that this man got a tattoo of I-95 on his chest? That is way more horrifying than anything else about this photo.
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The U.S. government is currently deploying Starlink satellites to areas of North Carolina that the FCC said Starlink couldn't reliably serve.
@ajtourville The North Carolina counties where Starlink kits are being sent today are some of the exact same counties that the government claimed, in last year’s unlawful revocation decision, could not be reliably served by Starlink.
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.@nytimes write-up on FTC-chair designate Andrew Ferguson mentions my recent interview with him on The Dynamist.
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