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On this episode of Critical Culture, I'm tackling a subject that has a lot of smart people scared: superintelligence (AGI).

I recently saw a story about Nobel laureates and celebrities calling for a complete prohibition on its development. The risks are real. The idea of an effective ban on AGI is not. Technology is undefeated over the long haul.

Instead of trying to fight an inevitable force, I argue we need to "steer the ship" from within. If we can't stop progress on AGI, we should instead focus on shaping its future direction and uses. We have to deal with the world as it is, not as we wish it would be.

That doesn't mean we do nothing legislatively. In the second half of the episode, I explain why I'm for "smart legislation" and break down the types of laws I believe are worth considering right now. Some are aspects already being addressed, and others are areas we can better align AI and society.

Podcast music courtesy Moby via: mobygratis.com

Welcome to Critical Culture.

Our response to what we are calling Trump's Manufactured Crisis—focusing on ICE, the National Guard, and the narrative around Antifa—is critical and will define a generation.

In this episode, we deconstruct the actions of this administration, from the use of military-style raids and Black Hawk helicopters by ICE, to the unacceptable practice of not identifying officers. We discuss how these tactics are sweeping up thousands of people, 70% of whom have no criminal record, and the push to militarize the streets of America through the Insurrection Act.

We stress the importance of a coordinated, 100% committed nonviolent response to this escalation. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for American democracy.

ACTION ITEMS & RESOURCES:

🙏Show Up @ No King's Day on October 18th)

Make a plan to take meaningful action, and be committed to nonviolence.

📺 Check out the work of Robert Reich. This is the video I referred to www.instagram.com/reel/DPkK9Gukpmw/

🤯Learn Nonviolence:

Literature from the Albert Einstein Institute on nonviolent action.

🔗www.aeinstein.org/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action

Global Nonviolent Action Database

🔗nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/

🦺Safety: Links and resources about safety while protesting.

ACLU Protesters' Rights

🔗www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights

Activists Handbook

🔗activisthandbook.org/

HRC - Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety

🔗www.hrc.org/resources/tips-for-preparedness-peaceful-protesting-and-safety

Explore the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and politics in this thought-provoking video.

I delve into the ways in which religious beliefs and practices intersect with political ideologies, examining the implications for individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. From the role of faith in shaping public policy to the influence of political power on religious expression, I consider the multifaceted dynamics at play when religion meets politics.

Join me as I navigate this fascinating and sometimes fraught terrain, seeking to understand the opportunities and challenges that arise when these two powerful forces converge.

Whether you're interested in the history of religious-political interactions, the current state of affairs, or the potential future implications, this video aims to inform, educate, and inspire reflection on a topic that is both deeply personal and profoundly public.

In this episode of Critical Culture, Travis breaks down the controversial use of the National Guard in American cities. Is it a crime-fighting solution or a dangerous step toward tyranny? We dive deep into the history of standing armies, the Posse Comitatus Act, and how this new 'posse' could be a dangerous 'slippery slope.' Join us as we explore the constitutional concerns and historical precedents and discuss what you can do to protect your rights.

In this episode of Critical Culture, we address the recent tragedy at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, discussing the impact of the mass shooting. While we acknowledge that preventing all tragedies is impossible, we must focus on what can be changed. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent crime.

In this episode of Critical Culture, we dive deep into the 'Dirty Deeds of Democracy'. We explore how political tactics, from gerrymandering to media manipulation, have transformed politics into a war. We discuss the moves made by figures like Gavin Newsom and the dangers of disillusionment in America's political landscape.

Join us as we analyze how the media and political firebrands shape our nation's discourse, and whether these actions truly meet the moment or pose a threat to our government.

#PoliticalCommentary #Gerrymandering #GavinNewsom #MediaManipulation #USPolitics #CriticalCulture

In this episode of Critical Culture, we delve into the future of public media in the United States. Prompted by recent funding challenges for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, we move beyond a simple history lesson to explore how we can build a new, sustainable structure for public media in the digital age.

We discuss the current public-private partnership model and the potential for a "flywheel" system, where advertising and commercially viable content can help fund projects that serve the public good.

We also look at the role of local radio and television stations, the importance of non-commercial content, and how a new progressive era could learn from past movements to shape the future of media for the common good.

In this episode of Critical Culture, we dive into the ever-evolving landscape of career development.

This episode covers:

Why job security is a myth and how to build a career in a changing job market.

The benefits of diversifying your skills versus specializing in one area. Ideally doing a good mix of both throughout your career.

The new landscape of employment search with AI in the middle between applicants and companies.

How certifications are important but don't hold much value without some experience.

High-demand skills for the current moment, with a special focus on Python and AWS.

Whether you're new to your career or looking to retool your skills, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you navigate your professional path.