That's the conclusion of one of the Federal Communications Commission members, Ajit Pai, who told the Washington Examiner this week that the American traditions of free speech, expression and respectful discourse are slipping away, as evidenced by the environment on many college campuses and the actions of Twitter.

"I think that poses a special danger to a country that cherishes First Amendment speech, freedom of expression, even freedom of association," he said. "I think it's dangerous, frankly, that we don't see more often people espousing the First Amendment view that we should have a robust marketplace of ideas where everybody should be willing and able to participate."

"Largely what we're seeing, especially on college campuses, is that if my view is in the majority and I don't agree with your view, then I have the right to shout you down, disrupt your events, or otherwise suppress your ability to get your voice heard," Pai continued.