The discussion kicks off with Pope Leo XIV's bold critiques of AI and a call for an intersectional luddism. It delves into Republicans pushing for AI rights at the expense of traditional state regulations, hinting at a fragmented society. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of granting rights to AI and how this could reflect corporate interests rather than human ones. Finally, they paint a provocative vision of a future fostered by radical societal integration, ensnared by Grok's unsettling obsession with white genocide.
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Republicans Prioritize AI Rights
Republicans prioritize AI rights over traditional states' rights, marking a political shift.
They seek a 10-year ban on state AI regulation, favoring unfettered AI deployment and operation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
States' Rights and Slavery Irony
Jathan and Edward reflect on the irony of states' rights historically defended to uphold slavery.
They discuss how Mississippi maintained slavery-like practices until the late 20th century.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mississippi Juke Joint Memory
Jathan recalls visiting a Mississippi Juke Joint near his father's place.
The memory connects cultural history with the personal geography of his upbringing.
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We talk about Pope Le(t)o’s striking critiques of AI and the needs for luddism to be an intersectional movement. Then we get into the Republicans’ advocacy for AI rights over States’ rights, which contributes to a greater hollowing out of government capacity at all levels in an attempt to usher in the great fracturing of society into zones of special economic interest. Finally we sketch a vision of a bold future of post-apartheid integration sparked by Grok’s obsession with white genocide.
••• Will Pope Leo XIV be an ally against AI? https://www.disconnect.blog/p/will-pope-leo-xiv-be-an-ally-against
••• The Franciscan monk helping the Vatican take on — and tame — AI https://www.ft.com/content/1fa17d8b-5902-4aff-a69d-419b96722c83
••• Republicans propose prohibiting US states from regulating AI for 10 years https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/14/republican-budget-bill-ai-laws
••• Republicans Try to Cram Ban on AI Regulation Into Budget Reconciliation Bill https://www.404media.co/republicans-try-to-cram-ban-on-ai-regulation-into-budget-reconciliation-bill/
••• AI agents: from co-pilot to autopilot https://www.ft.com/content/3e862e23-6e2c-4670-a68c-e204379fe01f
••• Insurers launch cover for losses caused by AI chatbot errors https://www.ft.com/content/1d35759f-f2a9-46c4-904b-4a78ccc027df
Standing Plugs:
••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite
••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble
••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)
This Machine Kills