Charting the Waters of Power: A Reflection on my Congressional Call - Part One
Introduction
In a time where moments are precious for policymakers, my phone conversation with a member of Congress—initially capped at twenty minutes—unexpectedly unfolded into a telling forty-four minute dialogue. This constraint reminded me vividly of a scene from the movie "Don't Look Up", where Meryl Streep, playing the President of the United States, informs Leonardo DiCaprio's character, an astro physicist, that he has only 20 minutes to explain the dire consequences of a meteor (a metaphor for the challenges posed by AI) hurtling towards Earth with near-certain catastrophic potential.
During my call, I endeavored to articulate the current predicament of displaced workers, particularly in the tech sector, probing for any legislative strategies comparable to launching nukes at an asteroid to alter its course—metaphorically speaking, reskilling programs, enhanced unemployment benefits, and mental health support for those impacted. The ensuing conversation, a video montage of which is shared below, paints a stark picture of legislative inertia, hinting that meaningful action might only materialize post-catastrophe, or perhaps after the 2024 presidential elections, mirroring the critical and yet often delayed responses depicted in cinematic narratives. This experience, a blend of procedural formalities and diplomatic maneuvers, offered a vital lesson in the art of political discourse and the strategic exchange of information. In this post, I dissect these elements to share insights into the complex dance with governance.
Lesson One: Keep Your Strategies Close
The first lesson was clear from the outset: by sending my questions in advance, I had unintentionally surrendered the element of surprise. This strategic misstep allowed for prepared, perhaps less candid responses, diminishing the potential for a spontaneous and revealing dialogue.
The Fluidity of Time in Politics
The concept of time proved to be flexible. The initial rapid pace implied by the twenty-minute limit set the stage for a swift exchange—my chance to discuss the pressing issues facing workers in the era of AI and automation seemed unfairly brief. However, as the conversation extended, it became apparent that this limit was not as rigid as it seemed, hinting that it might have been a tactic to avoid a deeper dive into challenging topics.
A Symphony of Filler Words
The conversation, while cordial, was also filled with filler words that connected thoughts while revealing little of substance. These verbal placeholders served their intended purpose—they filled space, consumed time, and maintained an appearance of dialogue, all while avoiding the deeper implications of my questions.
Reading Between the Lines
Insights emerged not from what was explicitly stated, but from what was implied. The prolonged duration of the call suggested there was no real competing priority, but rather a calculated buffer against the unpredictable nature of genuine conversation.
Placing Government in the Spotlight
The exchange was revealing, and it's one from which I've derived much understanding. This call was a reflection of a larger reality: a government conscious of its portrayal, selective in sharing information, and guarded when observed closely. It's about achieving a balance—keeping up the semblance of openness while controlling the narrative.
Voices of Influence: A Singular Perspective Amidst Congressional Oversight
"Imagine a focused setting where a single individual is seated at a large, elegant table, holding a phone to their ear, deeply engaged in conversation. Surrounding this person are several figures representing members of Congress, standing and seated around, some leaning in, creating an imposing presence. These figures are larger and positioned in a way that they seem to overshadow the individual, symbolizing their significant influence and attention to the conversation. The room reflects a formal governmental setting, with elements such as flags and the seal of Congress subtly included. The lighting focuses on the central individual, with the members of Congress cast in a more imposing shadow, highlighting the contrast in their roles and the intensity of the moment."
The image you requested has been created, capturing a moment of guidance and mentorship within the US Congress.
The image capturing the moment of relief among the Congress members and the emerging movement symbolized by #VoiceForChange, #SpeakUp and #EthicalAI outside has been created.
In the bustling corridors of power in Washington, D.C., where voices compete for attention and the air thrums with the weight of impending decisions, I've carved out a niche that has not gone unnoticed. Affectionately dubbed "The Advocate" by those within these storied halls, my journey has been one of persistence, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the causes close to my heart. This nickname is more than just a moniker; it's a testament to the countless hours of advocacy, the careful navigation of complex legalities, and the unwavering determination to ensure my voice not only echoes but resonates, bringing about the change I've tirelessly worked towards. As "The Advocate," I stand as a bridge between the silent whispers of hope and the powerful roar of transformation, embodying the spirit of those who believe that with enough conviction, any barrier can be overcome.
Summary
For a summary of the points discussed, here were some of the main talking points:
1.Part 1 of the Transcript:
Technology Task Force Announcement:
The Biden administration announced an AI technology Task Force.
Questions about reskilling, upskilling, and translating that into actual jobs.
Concerns about the tech sector not hiring.
Discussion about universal basic income and unemployment funds.
Insight on the Tech Sector and Job Displacement:
The tech sector’s importance for the economy.
AI and automation reshaping work and life.
The need for government support for displaced workers.
2. Part 2 of the Transcript:
Importance of Addressing the Issue:
Urgency in discussing and finding solutions.
The struggle to reenter the job market without new skills.
Tech Companies and AI Investments:
Tech companies profitable but laying off workers.
AI tools adopted at low cost.
Concerns about rehiring at previous salaries.
Imminent Impact on Job Fields:
Billions invested in AI solutions.
Risk of entire fields being wiped out.
Healthcare Challenges and Bureaucracy:
Complex processes, provider acceptance, and activation delays.
Leveraging AI to streamline systems.
Social Unrest and Inequality:
Economic disparities leading to unrest.
Prioritizing access to basic needs.
Advocacy and Hope for Prosperity:
Individual actions driving change.
America’s resilience and adaptability.
3.Government’s Role and Ethical Considerations:
AI and Government Transformation:
AI reshaping government functions.
Learning projects aligned with values.
Resource Allocation and Equality:
Balancing budgets and investment priorities.
AI as an equalizer in healthcare.
Global Workforce Impact and Urgency:
IMF’s prediction of workforce impact.
Swift action needed to mitigate disruptions.
4.User’s Personal Experience and Advocacy:
Challenges with Healthcare Access:
Real-world delays and inefficiencies.
Advocacy for smoother processes.
Technology for All and Ethical Decisions:
Using technology for everyone’s benefit.
Ethical considerations alongside profits.
Hope for a Prosperous Future:
America’s ability to adapt and improve.
Collective efforts shaping a better world.
The summary above was generated by Copilot, a version of ChatGPT developed in collaboration with Microsoft, due to "technical challenges" I faced while using ChatGPT—a tool created by OpenAI—to condense a transcript of my phone conversation with a U.S. Congress member.
Congress Feedback in regards to the above:
Overall Feedback:
We can expect little to be done but until after the election is over, in 2025.
No 30, 60, 90-day and beyond actionable plan.
Detailed Feedback:
As with any endeavor involving the government, processes are inherently time-consuming and often require navigating through the "Appropriation process," which demands additional funding to achieve any substantial outcome. The intricacies of federal laws differ significantly from actions that can be implemented on a nationwide scale, and these variations are further compounded by state-specific regulations. Often, state legislators may not have a comprehensive understanding of broader issues and the potential consequences at stake. It is crucial for both the legislative branch and state legislatures to reach a mutual understanding of critical issues, such as the alarmingly rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. This technological growth poses a potential threat to employment, potentially leading to increased unemployment in the coming months and years if the government does not establish necessary measures and boundaries.
I was informed that government action tends to be focused on addressing issues within a single specific sector at a time. Given this approach, I suggested that the technology sector would be an ideal starting point. This recommendation comes in light of the fact that, on average, since the beginning of this year, approximately 780 tech workers are being displaced daily by their employers. Furthermore, we are on the cusp of witnessing entire job categories being eradicated by emerging AI technologies, which possess the capability to replace software engineering positions.
Actionable Item:
I was given the suggestion to contact, via telephone or email, the staff of Congress members who endorsed the letter from the Biden-Harris administration to Dr. Arati Prabhakar. The aim is to persuade them about the potential risks and impacts of rapidly deploying artificial intelligence and automation technologies on the American workforce. This outreach emphasizes the absence of robust re-skilling programs or a comprehensive governmental framework to assess new AI tools and their workforce implications before public release. For instance, OpenAI's Sora, with its potential to disrupt the entire movie industry, highlights the urgency. It appears from recent news coverage, as seen below, that some Congress members lack a fundamental understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), much less the capacity to contribute ethically to decisions regarding AI's implementation and regulation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the conversation was both enlightening and frustrating. While I didn’t obtain all the answers I was after, the call itself was instructive. It offered a peek into the workings of government, or the lack thereof, and highlighted the importance of perseverance and tactical questioning in seeking truth and accountability.
Reflecting on this engagement, I'm reminded that each interaction is an opportunity to grow—a chance to sharpen my methods and gear up for the next encounter. Because in the quest to ensure power remains accountable, posing the right questions is just the start. It’s also in the way we pose them—and how we interpret the silences—that we often find the real insights.
Recording:
Dive into the heart of my discussion with a member of The U.S. Congress by listening to the video and audio I self-recorded from my car on my lunch break. In compliance with California's privacy laws, specifically California Penal Code Section 632(a), I have ensured that the recording includes only my voice. This careful approach was taken to avoid any legislative backlash that could hinder the progress of my advocacy work. You can access this recording on the platforms where I actively engage our community for support and change.
Video Montage | Part 1
To offer an in-depth perspective on our dialogue, a 15-minute video montage has been crafted, highlighting critical moments of the first part of our 45-minute conversation. These resources are made available to provide a transparent view into the nuanced communication with our nation's decision-makers.
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