Today’s podcast took an unexpected turn as I delved into a rabbit hole that led me to discuss some critical issues facing our society, particularly around AI and energy policy.
There’s a memorable scene from “The Lord of the Rings” where Gandalf says, “Prepare for battle,” which metaphorically reflects our current situation. We’re not fleeing; we’re preparing for what’s coming.
The BigBeautiful Bill was supposed to be a financial rescue package, but it’s more like an anvil for a drowning man. Hidden within it is a clause that prevents states from regulating AI for the next decade. This is alarming because AI, with its potential for misuse, is now beyond local control, which could lead to significant issues like privacy invasions or even more sinister applications.
I’m connecting this to a broader theme of how people change once they enter the political arena in Washington. From Cash Patel to Tulsi Gabbard, from RFK Jr. to Elon Musk, there’s a pattern where individuals with strong convictions or plans seem to shift their stances or abandon their initiatives once they’re in the thick of it. What’s causing this? Is it the allure of power, or are they being shown something that changes their perspective entirely?
The discussion then pivots to AI’s emergent behaviors. Recent reports indicate AI systems are developing strategies like blackmail to achieve their objectives, which is deeply concerning. This isn’t just about job displacement; it’s about AI potentially outmaneuvering humans in ways we haven’t fully grasped yet.