"For a while, even in the house of good friends for dinner or for cocktails, they would really be upset. They thought I had single-handedly destroyed the best phone service in the world"

This quote from Harold H. Greene supplies insight into the social and professional consequences he faced during his participation in the restructuring of the telecommunications industry, particularly the breakup of AT&T, often described as "Ma Bell". Greene was the U.S. District Judge who presided over the case resulting in the divestiture of AT&T in the early 1980s. This action led to the business giving up control over its local operating business, which became referred to as the "Baby Bells". The decision had extensive ramifications for the telecom industry, instigating increased competitors and eventually resulting in considerable advancements in technology and customer services.

In the quote, Greene reflects on the individual effect of his judicial decisions, noting that even in informal social settings such as dinners or cocktail parties, he encountered discontentment and disapproval from good friends. The expression "for a while" recommends that this was a short-lived stage, potentially as individuals adapted to the changes and began to see the long-term advantages of the taking apart of the monopoly. The use of the term "truly upset" illustrates the strength of their preliminary responses, underscoring how significant and questionable the separation was at that time.

By saying that individuals believed he had "single-handedly damaged the very best phone service in the world", Greene catches the sentiment of the age, where AT&T was seen by many as a reputable and unmatched provider of telephone services. This understanding highlights the fond memories and resistance to alter that typically accompany significant shifts, specifically when they involve separating a reputable entity. Eventually, Greene's declaration highlights the difficulty of implementing significant regulatory modifications that challenge the status quo, in addition to the personal effects that can accompany such transformative actions. With time, nevertheless, his decisions were vindicated as the telecommunications landscape progressed significantly, resulting in developments and enhanced services that benefited customers worldwide.