The attack on an open internet in our country by telecom shills like FCC chairman Ajit Pai and the Republican Party, have been problematic not simply because they are not democratically or economically viable, but because the arguments against net neutrality protections show a complete ignorance of the issue itself. Take Governor Paul LePage from Maine. LePage is a sort of proto-Trump politician. Big, brash, bigoted, and a complete imbecile when it comes to opening his mouth and saying anything. However, a couple of months ago, LePage proved that he could also write imbecilic things as well as say them. When 14-year-old high school student Hope Osgood wrote to the governor of her state in November, she received some classic Paul LePage leadership advice.
She wrote, “The internet is the easiest way to access anything. News, information, etc. Companies being able to put restrictions on internet usage isn’t ideal! People will be left in the dark about some things. All my school work is internet-based, but what happens if I can’t reach what I need to? What about my lessons in school?”
About a month after Osgood emailed LePage, she received a response: a copy of her letter with a message handwritten in the white space below it that read: “Hope. Pick up a book and read! Governor.”
The level of ideological pig-headedness involved with the anti-net neutrality movement is perfectly explained here. LePage’s answer not only makes zero sense in a conversation about consumer protections and an open internet, it shows a complete lack of understanding and respect for the issue itself. Osgood’s grandfather voted for LePage, and even he was turned off by the comment which he told the Press Herald.
Rick Osgood has voted for LePage twice and supports much of what the governor is doing in Maine, but he called LePage’s message “just a snide remark.”
“I think it’s mighty rude,” he said.
Gov. LePage is not simply rude, Mr. Osgood. He’s a terrible person. You could also justifiably call him something a lot worse.