Keen On America

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the unsettling climate of today's Supreme Court. She coins the term 'bad vibes' to describe the Court's decisions driven by conservative anxieties over cultural diversity. Litman critiques these rulings as manifestations of a 'vindictive patriarchy' that hinder women's rights and serve elite interests. She emphasizes the legal profession's troubling response to authoritarianism, exposing the fragility of democracy in America.

Mattea Kramer, an American writer and author of "The Untended," dives into the pervasive nature of addiction in contemporary America. She argues that individualism and capitalism breed isolation, driving people toward substances and behaviors as coping mechanisms. Kramer discusses the opioid crisis and its generational impact, emphasizing community and connection as pathways to healing. She challenges societal perceptions of addiction, advocating for empathy and understanding in addressing the complex realities faced by those struggling with this epidemic.

Emily Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington, and Alex Hanna is the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. They argue that large language models are just 'stochastic parrots', lacking true understanding. The duo critiques the hype surrounding AI, highlighting the marketing tactics that create fear of missing out. They call for community-controlled technology over corporate centralization, advocating for innovations that empower users instead of exploiting them.

In this engaging conversation, William Dalrymple, a Scottish historian and co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival, discusses the often-overlooked legacy of ancient India. He argues that India was Rome’s primary trading partner, shaping global culture through innovations like the concept of zero. Dalrymple also reflects on his career as a non-academic historian and the implications of India’s resurgence on global politics, particularly in the context of tensions with Pakistan over Kashmir. Prepare for a captivating exploration that challenges conventional historical narratives!

Keith Teare, a tech-savvy publisher known for his insights on AI and the internet, dives into the implications of technology in education. He passionately defends a Columbia student expelled for using AI, sparking a debate on what constitutes cheating. Teare questions the exorbitant college fees versus the accessibility AI brings. He also discusses the evolving dynamics of web search and the threats to Google from AI advancements. Finally, he examines the tension between profit motives and ethical considerations in the rapidly changing AI landscape.

Jason Riley, an Opinion columnist at The Wall Street Journal and author of The Affirmative Action Myth, discusses the controversial impact of affirmative action on Black Americans. He argues that Black individuals were progressing faster economically and educationally before these policies began. Riley highlights how affirmative action predominantly benefits upper-class Blacks, leaving poorer students at a disadvantage. He advocates for colorblind policies, emphasizing the importance of historically Black colleges in fostering success while prioritizing educational outcomes over racial preferences.

Mark Skousen, an economist from Chapman University and direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, makes a compelling case for Franklin as America's most versatile Founding Father. He discusses Franklin's evolution from slave owner to abolitionist and highlights his ethical capitalism and commitment to public service after amassing wealth. Skousen also examines Franklin's pragmatic political views, his role in American-French relations during the Revolutionary War, and his impressive 22 career accomplishments, emphasizing his unique blend of innovation and civic responsibility.

Keach Hagey, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal focusing on media and technology, discusses the paradox of OpenAI's corporate identity. She highlights the surreal situation of the company attempting to be both for-profit and non-profit, especially after CEO Sam Altman's recent announcements. Hagey warns about the potential ramifications for investors if OpenAI can't sustain its operations. With her upcoming biography on Altman, she reflects on the ambitious yet hubristic nature of Silicon Valley's current landscape, raising critical questions about the future of AI.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's 43rd Secretary of State and author of The Purposeful Warrior, discusses how to counter Trumpism with a focus on common decency. She shares her fierce commitment to election integrity, recounting her experiences through intimidation during the 2020 election. Benson emphasizes the importance of courage blended with empathy, the need for the Democratic Party to deliver on real issues, and the value of building a supportive network of advisors. Her insights offer a roadmap for standing up for communities and redefining success.

Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, shares his expert insights on Trump’s tariff policies, calling them unprecedented in their unpredictability and scale. While he identifies legit economic concerns like global imbalances, he argues that the current approach could exacerbate issues. Wolf warns of significant consequences for the U.S. economy, including impacts on retail and job losses. He discusses the broader implications of diminished investor confidence and questions America's retreat from its traditional alliances.