Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
I wrote a harangue about oligarchs for today’s blog, then tore it up. I do have something to say on the subject, but as it is the holidays, I’ll keep it short. Here’s what I want you to know.
President Dwight Eisenhower warned that the “Military/Industrial complex” might endanger American democracy. It was a good warning. But the tech industry poses a threat of a different dimension.
Unlike earlier endeavors–building railroads, nuclear energy, or space travel–technology doesn’t require government funding. All that’s necessary to get in the game is electricity and an empty garage. If the United States wants to compete with China, it needs the tech bros more than they need government. Frankly, what the oligarchs want from Congress is no interference. (”The AI Grand Bargain,” by Ben Buchanan and Tantum Collings, Foreign Affairs, pg. 74.)
- The Tech Industry wins.
So far, the government has given the tech industry what it wants and invested in these companies as a shareholder, as well. That symbiotic relationship is no good for democracy, and voters should be concerned.
- What the public must fear from this symbiotic relationship.
When the government profits from the industry it regulates, the government has a conflict of interest. Corruption seeps into the body politic, and the elected leaders who enrich themselves by it become unwilling to address the infection.
- What the Public can do.
The tech industry must be held accountable, and if neither the President nor the Republican-led Congress is willing to act, We the People are obliged to step in, using the power of the purse. More than discounts and convenience should be on our minds this season. Let us remember, the country isn’t for sale. If we want to keep it that way, here’s a ditty to remember.
🎶Save yourself,
You don’t need an Amazon Christmas elf.
Stay away from those discount shelves.
BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT
Boycott Tesla, Apple, Amazon
