This week, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) demanding that the FCC immediately halt any further utilization of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. The letter comes following the October 4th national alert when the FCC decided to use their platform and send out a nationwide emergency test text message on all cell phones, wireless devices, TVs and radios.
The letter is below.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel:
As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal, I found it very concerning that on Wednesday, October 4, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to use their platform and send out a nationwide emergency test text message on all cell phones, wireless devices, TVs and radios.
What was the point of that? Was it really necessary? The federal government scared about 70% of Americans with that alert, and in my opinion, this was government overreach at its finest.
I have been upfront about this—I don’t like systems where the federal government can access Americans directly to their smartphones. Frankly, I don’t like the idea of any Administration (regardless of party) having the ability to DM Americans without their permission. Trust in our nation’s ruling class is at an all-time low and for good reason. In a time when the first and second branches of government should be reining in Big Tech and protecting the privacy of American citizens, Big Tech and Big Government seem to be indistinguishable.
On behalf of the State of Florida and patriotic Americans everywhere, I demand that the FCC immediately cease utilization of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. In my opinion, there is absolutely zero reason that the federal government needs to notify millions of Americans at the exact same moment. It’s unreasonable that people on the West Coast need to be alerted about something going on in the East Coast. State Emergency Management Directors are more than capable of protecting and alerting their own citizens during emergencies without the federal government needlessly getting in the way.
I urge you as the Chairwoman of the FCC and a fellow taxpayer to immediately halt any further utilization of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
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