Episode 523: It’s Always 9/11
Summary
James and Anthony discuss the growing influence of Super PACs on US politics, questioning if corporate spending constitutes an oligopoly. They also explore how AI has disrupted the essay-writing economy in Kenya and debate the security trade-offs following 9/11. The episode concludes with a personal story about helping a struggling convenience store employee.
Topics discussed
Intro: AI jobs, political speech, and Trump
Super PACs, corporate free speech, and election costs
Quid pro quo, regulatory capture, and corporate hedging
AI impact on jobs, Kenya's copy-editing economy, and academia
Foolishness of the week: A personal anecdote
Trump's trade threats and Fed independence
Personal memories of 9/11 and the immediate aftermath
Aviation security, probability, and the Iraq War
The 'War on' rhetoric and the decline of poverty
Militarization of police and institutional servility
Crime statistics and the legacy of 9/11
Closing: Acts of kindness and charity
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