The FCC proposes to solve a minor problem (prisoners with forbidden cell phones) by requiring remote-controlled "kill switches" in all portable phones, to brick them remotely.

The arguments presented tiptoe around the truly important issue: that this would give the state another unjust power that could be used for repression. We have got to stop being intimidated into silence about such points.

The kill switch that should be required in every portable phone is one that allows the user to make sure it is really shut off.