The John Adams Society

"Wherever the real power in a Government lies, there is the danger of oppression. In our Governments, the real power lies in the majority of the Community, and the invasion of private rights is chiefly to be apprehended, not from the acts of Government contrary to the sense of its constituents, but from acts in which the Government is the mere instrument of the major number of the constituents."

- James Madison

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE systems threaten democracy! Microsoft has teamed up with the Chinese to develop AI that can enhance government surveillance and censorship capabilities. Chinese companies actively export this technology across the world, making a lot of money in the process. The chilling exploitation of these sophisticated technologies poses a direct threat to open democratic societies. As governments become increasingly dependent upon AI to manage populations and maintain power, they will face greater pressure to align with China's agenda. Yet Sleepy Joe says, "Come on man.... They're not bad folks, folks..."

Digital technology has deepened the ability of United States agencies to conduct ever-increasing intrusive surveillance. Any time more information becomes available and analysis get easier, governments are interested — and not just governments! Social media giant Facebook is developing Stablecoin – a fiat-backed crypto-currency payment platform. If it succeeds, the project threatens the credit card networks' dominance over global payments. The idea is to keep you tightly enmeshed in Facebook. The citizens and lawmakers of the United States should think carefully about the risks of AI to our society and to civilizations around the world. Alexa's got your number!

ON THE OTHER HAND, there is a disconnect between citizens' stated interest in privacy protection and their apparent willingness to give it up. Artificial Intelligence systems are everywhere, helping run smart phones, internet search engines, digital voice assistants, Netflix movie queues, and energy saving smart homes. AI is provoking a technological revolution that is fundamentally different from revolutions of the past. It accelerates the very act of invention. AI is the biggest opportunity of our lifetime to extend and expand human creativity and ingenuity.

THE CHAIRMAN, who demands privacy for himself and accountability for everyone else, has called a debate to settle the topic:

RESOLVED: Big Data is Big Brother!

The Debate will be held on May 15 , 2019, at Shamrocks Grill & Pub, 995 7th Street W., St. Paul (West 7th near Randolph Ave.)

The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections.

In addition, the Chairman encourages all to join him as early as 6:30 pm for a bite to eat. Let us thank Shamrocks for the use of their room in the most sincere way possible -- by spending our money. God Bless Free Enterprise!

Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651)485-1699 or the Secretary at (612)968-3493.