What if Donald Trump, on January 20, 2025, issues the following #MAGA Executive Orders?

#MAGA Executive Order #1

"Bank capital/equity requirements against Federal Government debt & residential mortgages, must be at least as high as those against loans to unrated American small business & entrepreneurs" 

https://subprimeregulations.blogspot.com/2013/11/have-risk-weights-of-current-bank.html

https://x.com/PerKurowski/status/1858996893151621130

#MAGA Executive Order #2

"All illegal immigrants from Latin America as on this date, will be issued 100% biometric passports allowing them to work, leave and reenter US.

Criminal behavior leads to immediate deportation."

https://theamericanunion.blogspot.com/2006/04/american-union-passports-could-work.html

https://x.com/PerKurowski/status/1861049200139469010

#MAGA Executive Order #3

"The government must not receive any other income than taxes paid directly to it by the citizens.

Even the lowest income earners, have a right to hold their government accountable."

https://perkurowski.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-tax-paradise.html

https://x.com/PerKurowski/status/1861073103998120071

#MAGA Executive Order #4

"All tax paying citizens shall, completely unhindered, be free to engage artificial intelligence, #AI, in order to measure, in real time, #government #effectiveness when using its tax revenues."

https://perkurowski.blogspot.com/2023/08/ai-chatgpt-openai-can-you-visualize.html

https://x.com/PerKurowski/status/1861082646236799396

#MAGA Executive Order #5
“Any health sector provider shall not be allowed to charge a price more than 5% higher to any uninsured patient, than what they charge insurance companies for the same medicines or treatments.”
https://teawithft.blogspot.com/2009/06/but-there-is-minimum-minimorum-reform.html
https://x.com/PerKurowski/status/1861089879502848171

PS. I might keep adding proposed Executive Orders

#AI #OpenAI #ChatGPT Can a government turn into just a big business?

 I asked ChatGPT:

At what point could one reasonably argue that a government, instead of just governing, has turned into a big business financed by revenues provided by current or future taxpayers or by inflation? Never?

ChatGPT answered:

One could argue that a government begins to resemble a big business when its primary activities and motivations shift from serving the public good to generating revenue, expanding its financial base, and prioritizing economic interests over public welfare. Several indicators might suggest such a shift:

1.     Revenue-Driven Policies: If government policies are increasingly focused on generating revenue—through taxes, fees, or other means—without clear public benefits, it might suggest a business-like approach.

2.     Public Services as Profit Centers: When public services or goods are managed in a way that prioritizes profitability over accessibility and equity, it can indicate a shift toward a business mindset.

3.     Excessive Privatization: When the government outsources or privatizes essential public services, treating them as commodities rather than rights, it could be seen as prioritizing financial efficiency over public accountability.

4.     Debt-Financed Spending: A government heavily reliant on borrowing, with the expectation that future taxpayers will cover the debt, might resemble a business that prioritizes expansion at the cost of future financial stability.

5.     Inflationary Policies: When a government uses inflationary policies to finance its operations, effectively reducing the value of currency and imposing a hidden tax on citizens, it might be seen as prioritizing its financial needs over economic stability.

6.     Political Capture by Economic Interests: If the government is heavily influenced by corporate or financial interests, leading to policies that favor businesses over citizens, it might suggest that the government is operating more like a business entity.

However, it's important to note that governments inherently have economic functions—they collect taxes, spend on public goods, manage debt, and influence the economy through fiscal and monetary policies. The key difference lies in the government's primary purpose: to serve the public good. When this purpose is overshadowed by revenue generation and economic growth at the expense of social welfare, the argument that the government is functioning like a big business becomes more tenable.

In conclusion, the argument could be reasonably made when these patterns become prominent, though the specific threshold would depend on the context and the balance between public service and economic activity.

Thanks!

"You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further clarification on anything, feel free to ask."

Note: The answers are copied exactly from those given to me by OpenAI - ChatGPT.

ChatGPT - OpenAI: Getting to know you!

#AI OpenAI ChatGPT: Can you visualize Artificial Intelligence being used to measure the effectiveness of governments?

I asked ChatGPT: 

Can you visualize Artificial Intelligence being used to measure the effectiveness of governments? E.g., how tax revenues have been used in different programs; or giving updates in real time on how many are employed or contracted to deliver specific results?

ChatGPT answered: 

"Certainly, I can help you visualize how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be used to measure the effectiveness of governments in various aspects. AI has the potential to revolutionize governance by providing real-time insights, data analysis, and predictive modeling. Here's how it could work:

1. Data Collection and Integration: AI systems can aggregate data from various sources such as government databases, financial reports, surveys, and social media. This could include information about tax revenues, government spending, employment rates, program outcomes, and public sentiment.

2. Real-time Monitoring: AI algorithms can process data in real time, allowing for immediate tracking of key indicators. For example, AI could provide live updates on the number of individuals employed through government programs, the progress of infrastructure projects, and the allocation of tax revenues to specific initiatives.

3. Predictive Analytics: AI can use historical data to predict future outcomes. For instance, it could analyze the impact of different government policies and predict how they might affect employment rates, economic growth, or other relevant metrics.

4. Performance Evaluation: AI can compare actual results against predefined goals and benchmarks. If a government's target was to allocate a certain percentage of tax revenue to education, AI could assess whether this goal is being met and flag any discrepancies.

5. Program Effectiveness Analysis: AI can analyze the outcomes of various government programs. It can determine which programs are achieving their intended goals, identify areas for improvement, and even suggest adjustments to optimize resource allocation.

6. Sentiment Analysis: AI can analyze public sentiment by processing social media posts, news articles, and other online content. This can provide insights into public perception of government initiatives and policies.

7. Transparency and Accountability: AI-powered dashboards can provide easily accessible visualizations of government performance metrics. This promotes transparency and allows citizens to track how tax revenues are being used and the impact of various programs.

8. Adaptive Policy-making: Based on real-time data analysis, AI can help governments adapt policies more quickly. For example, if certain economic indicators start to decline, AI might suggest policy changes to mitigate negative effects.

9. Resource Optimization: AI can analyze spending patterns and suggest areas where funds could be reallocated for better outcomes. This could help governments make more informed decisions about resource allocation.

10. Decision Support: AI systems can provide decision-makers with insights, predictions, and potential consequences of different choices. This assists governments in making informed decisions that align with their objectives.

Visualizing AI in Action: Imagine an interactive dashboard accessible to both government officials and the public. This dashboard provides real-time data on tax revenue distribution, program outcomes, employment rates, and public sentiment. Users can select different metrics, time frames, and government initiatives to view detailed visualizations. AI-powered predictive models generate "what-if" scenarios to help policymakers assess the potential impact of different strategies.

In this vision, AI contributes to a more data-driven, accountable, and responsive government. However, it's essential to address challenges such as data privacy, algorithm bias, and the need for human oversight to ensure that AI is used ethically and effectively in governance."

I asked ChatGPT: 

Carrying out this delicate task, so as to avoid any undue biases or favoritism, how important is it that #AI is supervised by a continuously renewed and very diversified board of taxpaying citizens?

ChatGPT answered: 

"The idea of having a diverse and continuously renewed board of taxpaying citizens to supervise AI-driven governance is indeed a valuable concept. Such an approach can help mitigate biases, ensure accountability, and maintain the ethical use of AI in government processes. Here's why it's important:

1. Representation and Fairness: A diverse board that reflects a broad range of demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds can help identify and address biases that might inadvertently be present in AI algorithms. They can ensure that AI systems don't disproportionately favor certain groups or exclude others.

2. Accountability and Transparency: A citizen board can hold government agencies and AI developers accountable for their decisions. It can demand transparency in AI models, algorithms, and data sources, ensuring that decisions made by AI are explainable and justifiable.

3. Checks and Balances: An independent citizen board can serve as a critical check on government power. It can review and assess the implementation of AI systems, ensuring that they align with democratic principles and the best interests of the public.

4. Ethical Oversight: Citizen board members can provide ethical perspectives and considerations that might not be fully captured by technocrats or policymakers. This ensures that AI applications respect human rights and societal values.

5. Renewal and Adaptation: A regularly renewed board ensures fresh perspectives and prevents stagnation. As technology and societal dynamics evolve, having new members join the board can bring in updated insights and approaches.

6. Public Trust and Participation: Involving citizens directly in the decision-making process enhances public trust. When people see that their voices are being heard and considered, they are more likely to have confidence in the AI-driven governance process.

7. Reducing Capture: A diverse board makes it harder for any single interest group to capture the decision-making process and steer it in their preferred direction.

However, while a citizen board is a promising approach, it's important to consider potential challenges and limitations:

· Expertise: Citizen board members might lack technical expertise in AI and governance. It's crucial to provide them with the necessary knowledge and resources to make informed decisions.

· Bias and Conflicts: Board members could also bring their biases and conflicts of interest. A careful selection process, transparency, and conflict-of-interest guidelines are necessary.

· Resource Requirements: Maintaining a diverse board requires resources for training, compensation, and support, which might be a logistical challenge.

· Balancing Act: Striking a balance between informed decision-making and preventing information overload is essential. Board members need to have access to pertinent information without being overwhelmed.

· Influence and Decision Power: Defining the extent of the board's influence and decision-making power is crucial to avoid token representation or making the board's role merely symbolic.

In conclusion, a citizen board can play a vital role in supervising AI-driven governance, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability. However, careful planning, structuring, and ongoing evaluation are necessary to make this approach successful in practice."

I thanked ChatGPT: 

This is a good start. Thanks!

ChatGPT responded: 

"You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further assistance in the future, feel free to ask. Good luck with your exploration of AI in governance, and have a great day!"

Note: The answers are copied exactly from those given to me by ChatGPT

Curses and blessings quite often come hand in hand

I will keep here my reflections on the subject in Kenneth Rogoff’s book “The Curse of Cash”. (For full disclosure I have yet not found the time to read it in its entirety)

In my comments I will often also refer to Professor Rogoff’s blog.

Kenneth Rogoff writes: “But for all the advantages of cash, we have to recognize that the current system is badly off kilter. A lot of central banks and finance ministries know it, as do justice departments and tax authorities.”

I fully agree, 100%, but do “We the People know it? There are reasonable and unreasonable doubts out there. And I am not 100% sure among which of those mine could best qualify.

Should not abolishing larger anonymous practical ways of storing wealth have to be subject to something like a referendum? I have no idea?

Yes cash might cause some local tax evasion, but does anyone really believe that big tax evaders keep their fortunes in cash like some seem to say? I just know that the word “cash” is open to all types of confusions (that are sometimes exploited)

Cash in hand, if devalued, looses its value equally for all. Non-cash can be devalued discriminatorily. Do we want our grandchildren to be subject to such great Big Brother power? As a Venezuelan, not me for sure!

Cash, as can oil, can indeed be a curse. But does that mean that we in Venezuela should stop extracting oil? I don’t think so.

And how would the elimination of for instance $100 bills, that might represent about one trillion dollars take place? I have no clue.

Would it not just dramatically increase the value of other assets? Not much, it seems like peanuts when compared to what is done with Quantitative Easing.

Do I want cash to assist drug trafficking? Of course not, don’t be silly.

Rogoff writes: “but most world holdings of dollars are in the underground economy (crime and tax evasion). I am not sure. First of all because I do not agree that all underground economy must be either illegal or bad. Then because I think criminals have many alternatives of how moving cash into something else. Moreover, much cash might make even many hardened criminals nervous.