Letters from an American May 13, 2025
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May 14, 2025 A high-stakes meeting in Saudi Arabia lays bare the tension between corporate interests and government efficiency, questioning the future of public policy. The discussion delves into pressing issues like data mining and environmental impacts, warning of potential cuts to vital programs. Additionally, proposed $4 trillion increases in the debt ceiling clash with drastic cuts to health care and social support, igniting fierce backlash from activists, especially among those relying on services like Medicaid and SNAP.
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Musk's Shift From Government to AI
- Elon Musk's primary focus shifted back to AI rather than government efficiency, revealing his interest in government-collected personal data.
- His company XAI is leveraging government data and raising funds potentially valuing it at $120 billion.
Library Leaders Fired Amid AI Concerns
- The dismissal of Library of Congress leaders coincides with concerns over AI's training use of copyrighted materials.
- These officials had challenged unauthorized use, linking it to broader AI and copyright tensions.
Environmental Concerns About Musk's Supercomputer
- Musk's supercomputer in Memphis relies on unpermitted, pollutant-heavy methane generators in a historically polluted Black neighborhood.
- Claims to protect air quality by a mysterious group contrast with environmental and health concerns from local agencies.