Appeal to The Advocate: Publishing My Op-Ed on AI’s Local Impact in the 2024 Election
Introduction
As the founder of the Voice for Change Foundation and an advocate for ethical AI and workforce preservation, I recently submitted an op-ed to The Advocate newspaper titled “We Demand AI Regulation: A Call to Protect Jobs and Human Rights.” My goal was to highlight the pressing issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), job displacement, and the urgent need for regulatory measures—especially as we approach the pivotal 2024 election.
op-Ed Submission
Title: What’s at Stake in This Year’s Election: U.S. Economy, Abortion, Climate Change, Project 2025, and the Role of AI
By Kevin Bihan-Poudec
As the 2024 U.S. elections draw near, Americans are facing one of the most critical turning points in our nation’s history. The decisions we make at the polls in the coming weeks will not only shape the immediate future of the country but will also determine the trajectory of generations to come. At the center of this crossroads are key issues such as economic inequality, the future of reproductive rights, the ongoing climate crisis, and, perhaps most urgently, the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
The Economy: A Tsunami of Job Losses Is Coming
The economic landscape of the United States is being transformed before our eyes, driven by rapid advancements in AI and automation. As a displaced tech worker myself, I have firsthand experience of the devastating impact these technologies can have on jobs. For over a year, I have struggled to find work as a data analyst due to AI tools like ChatGPT, which can perform tasks that once required human expertise at a fraction of the cost.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already sounded the alarm: up to 60% of jobs in the United States could be eliminated by AI within the next few years. Entire industries—from healthcare to education to transportation—will be impacted. Yet, we are woefully unprepared for this incoming "tsunami" of job displacement. AI, if left unregulated, will exacerbate inequality, concentrating wealth among corporations and leaving millions of workers jobless.
The Role of Project 2025
Enter Project 2025, a controversial plan spearheaded by conservative think tanks. While it promises a “leaner, more efficient” government, it also advocates for deregulation in key industries, including technology. By removing oversight on AI development and implementation, Project 2025 will allow corporations to prioritize profit over people, replacing workers with machines without any concern for the social fallout.
In addition to eroding workers’ rights, Project 2025 aims to dismantle federal agencies like the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These changes will have far-reaching consequences not only for our economy but for public health, education, and the environment.
The Climate Crisis: Another Fight We Cannot Lose
Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, yet it is being treated as a political bargaining chip. While the Biden-Harris administration has made strides through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, Project 2025 aims to pull the U.S. out of global climate agreements like the Paris Accords. This would be catastrophic—not just for the U.S., but for the world. The U.S. is one of the largest carbon emitters, and backing out of global climate initiatives would undermine the collective efforts to combat global warming.
The future of our planet is hanging in the balance, and with a month left until Election Day, we have the power to choose leaders who will continue to prioritize climate action over short-term political gains.
Reproductive Rights: A Battle for Control Over Our Bodies
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have become a defining issue of this election. More than 20 states have already enacted abortion bans, and millions of women now live in areas where access to reproductive healthcare is severely restricted. Project 2025 seeks to take this even further, pushing for a federal ban on abortion and transforming the Department of Health and Human Services into the “Department of Life.”
A victory for this agenda would be a victory for the erosion of personal freedoms. The stakes for women’s rights have never been higher, and voters must decide whether they want a government that protects these rights or one that seeks to control them.
AI Regulation: A Critical Step Toward Protecting Our Future
Beyond the immediate risks posed by AI to jobs, the unchecked rise of AI and automation threatens the fabric of our society. Elon Musk himself has warned that “AI will not only take your job, but also the meaning of life.” Yet, despite these warnings, there has been little action from lawmakers to regulate the use of AI.
AI is advancing at an exponential rate, and we need policies that will ensure these technologies are developed and implemented in ways that prioritize human well-being over corporate profits. The AI Accountability Act of 2024, introduced by the Harris administration, is a step in the right direction, but it remains stalled in Congress.
If we do not act now, we risk creating a future where machines dominate the workforce and human dignity is sacrificed on the altar of efficiency. It’s time to demand AI regulation that protects jobs, human rights, and the future of our society.
A Call to Action: Boycott the U.S. Economy on October 7th
In response to these urgent issues, I am calling for a national boycott of the U.S. economy on Monday, October 7th, 2024. I am asking Americans across the country to stay home—don’t go to work, don’t engage in any economic activity. This is a peaceful way to show solidarity and demand that our government act to protect jobs and human rights from the unchecked rise of AI.
Let’s send a clear message: We won’t allow a few powerful tech CEOs to decide the future of our country. We demand regulation, and we demand it now.
Conclusion: The Future Is in Our Hands
As Election Day approaches, the decisions we make will define the future of our country for decades to come. This is about more than just politics—it’s about choosing the kind of society we want to live in. Will we allow AI and corporate interests to shape our future, or will we stand up and demand a government that prioritizes people over profits?
Join me in this fight. Let’s make history together.
Reaching Out to The Advocate
Understanding the vital role that local media like The Advocate play in shaping community discourse, I believed my op-ed would resonate with readers concerned about the future of our local economy and workforce. The piece delves into how AI and automation are not just global phenomena but are significantly impacting our community in tangible ways.
Dear The Advocate Editorial Team,
I hope this message finds you well. Attached below is my op-ed titled "We Demand AI Regulation: A Call to Protect Jobs and Human Rights," which I am submitting for consideration for The Advocate's Opinion pages. As requested, I am offering this piece exclusively to The Advocate and have not submitted it to any other publications at this time.
My op-ed discusses the critical need for AI regulation as artificial intelligence and automation continue to displace jobs at an alarming rate. It touches on the potential future consequences of unregulated AI, highlighting its effect on the economy, human rights, and the fabric of society. I am calling for AI accountability, as well as a peaceful boycott of the U.S. economy on October 7th, 2024, to push for meaningful change.
[op-Ed content from above]
If there are any potential conflicts of interest you need to be aware of, please let me know. I would be happy to provide further context.
I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your consideration.
Kind regards,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
The Advocate’s Response
In response to my submission, I received the following message:
“We publish local writers who write about local issues mostly. This doesn’t meet those criteria. Thanks for understanding.”
I appreciate their dedication to local content. However, I felt compelled to highlight how the issues discussed in my op-ed are intrinsically linked to our community and are particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming election.
My Appeal for Reconsideration
In light of their response, I reached out again to The Advocate, hoping they would reconsider publishing my op-ed. Below is the email I sent:
Subject: Reconsideration of Op-Ed Submission and Podcast Episode on AI’s Local Impact in the 2024 Election
Dear The Advocate Editorial Team,
Thank you for your prompt response and for taking the time to review my op-ed submission. I appreciate your commitment to featuring content that resonates with our local community.
I kindly ask you to reconsider my op-ed, as I believe the issues discussed have significant implications for our local area, especially in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. While AI regulation is a global concern, its effects are profoundly felt at the local level. Here are some points that highlight its relevance to our community:
Local Job Market Impact: Many workers in our area are experiencing job displacement due to AI and automation, affecting families and the local economy directly.
Economic Stability: Small businesses and industries within our community are adopting AI technologies, which could lead to workforce reductions and economic shifts.
Educational Institutions: Local schools and colleges are adjusting their curricula to prepare students for an AI-influenced job market, a topic of interest to many parents and educators.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness about AI’s impact can empower residents to seek retraining opportunities and advocate for policies that protect local jobs.
Upcoming Elections: With the 2024 election on the horizon, these issues are timely and crucial for voters who are concerned about the future of our community.
In addition, I recently released a special podcast episode titled “2024 Election: Defining America’s Future - AI, Climate, and Rights on the Line,” which delves deeper into these topics with a focus on their impact on our local community. You can listen to it here:
• For iOS devices (Apple Podcasts): Listen on Apple Podcasts
• For Android devices (Spotify): Listen on Spotify
I believe that publishing this op-ed, perhaps alongside a mention of the podcast episode, could spark meaningful discussions and provide valuable insights for your readers. While I understand that you usually publish local stories, perhaps this different approach could engage your audience in new and impactful ways.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response and hope for a positive outcome.
Kind regards,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice For Change Foundation
Advocate for Ethical AI and Workforce Preservation
A New Approach for The Advocate
Understanding that The Advocate typically focuses on local stories, I suggested that publishing this op-ed could offer a fresh perspective:
• Sparking Interest: Introducing a global issue with local implications may captivate readers and encourage deeper engagement.
• Fostering Dialogue: The piece could serve as a catalyst for community discussions on how to address these challenges collectively.
• Informing Voters: With the election nearing, providing comprehensive information can empower citizens to make informed decisions.
The Advocate's Final Response
Shortly after sending my appeal, I received a succinct reply from The Advocate:
"No."
While I respect their editorial discretion and their right to decide what content to publish, the brevity of the response was surprising. A one-word reply felt abrupt and seemed to close the door on any further dialogue about these important issues.
Reflecting on Their Decision
It's understandable that newspapers have policies and guidelines to follow. However, the lack of engagement from The Advocate raises some concerns:
Missed Opportunity for Dialogue: A more detailed response could have opened a conversation about how to make the content more suitable for their audience.
Community Engagement: Given the significant local impact of AI and the upcoming election, discussing these topics could benefit their readership.
Role of Local Media: Newspapers like The Advocate have a unique position to foster meaningful discussions on societal issues that affect us all.
While their decision is final, it highlights the challenges advocates face when trying to bring attention to pressing concerns within traditional media outlets—especially to a newspaper whose very name, “The Advocate,” suggests a commitment to advocacy.
Emphasizing Local Relevance Amidst Global Issues
I wanted to underscore that while AI is a global concern, its repercussions are acutely felt within our community:
• Job Displacement: Friends and neighbors are losing jobs to automation, leading to financial strain and uncertainty.
• Economic Shifts: Local businesses are integrating AI, which could alter the economic landscape of our area.
• Educational Changes: Schools are adapting curricula, affecting students and educators alike.
• Voter Awareness: With the 2024 election approaching, informed voting is crucial for addressing these challenges.
By highlighting these points, I hoped to convey that the op-ed is not just about a global issue but one that is intimately connected to the lives of local residents.
Introducing the Podcast Episode
To further engage the community, I released a special podcast episode:
“2024 Election: Defining America’s Future - AI, Climate, and Rights on the Line”
This episode explores:
• The impact of AI on local jobs and the economy.
• How climate change initiatives affect our community.
• The importance of human rights in policy decisions.
• The significance of the 2024 election in shaping these critical issues.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Audible or Pandora by searching for the keywords “AI Podcast Therapy”
By offering multiple platforms, I aim to make the content accessible to a wider audience, encouraging more community members to join the conversation.
Conclusion
The challenges posed by AI, automation, climate change, and human rights are not abstract concepts—they are realities that impact our community daily. As we stand on the cusp of the 2024 election, it is imperative that we engage in meaningful dialogue about these issues.
I remain hopeful that The Advocate will consider this opportunity to broaden its scope and provide a platform for these critical discussions.
Call to Action
I encourage all community members to:
Stay Informed: Understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones.
Engage: Participate in local forums, discussions, and events.
Vote: Make your voice heard in the upcoming election.
Together, we can navigate these challenges and work towards a future that benefits us all.
About the Author
Kevin Bihan-Poudec is a seasoned data analyst and advocate for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and workforce preservation. With over a decade of experience in data analytics, Kevin has observed firsthand the disruptive effects of AI and automation on the job market, particularly in the tech sector. His professional journey has been profoundly impacted by the rise of AI tools, like ChatGPT, which now perform tasks previously handled by skilled human analysts. This shift has led to widespread job displacement, including Kevin’s own year-long struggle to find employment in a saturated market, where AI has streamlined operations for cost-cutting measures.
In addition to his work as a data analyst, Kevin is the founder of Voice for Change Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for AI regulation and protecting the workforce from the unchecked advancements of automation. Through his nonprofit and ongoing advocacy efforts, Kevin has been actively raising awareness of the societal risks posed by AI, from economic inequality to threats to democracy. His research on AI’s potential impact led him to publish critical insights on the dangers of unregulated technology and its implications for the future of the global workforce.
Kevin has also been involved in a number of high-profile projects related to climate change, sustainability, and digital ethics, with his work reflecting a strong commitment to social justice and human rights in the age of technological advancement. His experiences, ranging from addressing AI-driven labor displacement to his ongoing collaboration on climate initiatives, give him a unique perspective on the broader implications of technological and environmental policy.
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