W.J. Astore
Asking a leading question of the computer gods
In my eclectic reading, I came across a couple of references to ChatGPT, an experiment in artificial intelligence (AI). You ask the AI bot a question, or give it a task, and it spits out an answer, and I must say a pretty good one judging from the task I gave it.
My task to the AI bot: “Write a critical essay on the military-industrial complex.” Here’s what it generated:
The military-industrial complex refers to the relationship between a country’s military and the defense industry that supplies it, seen together as a vested interest which influences public policy. This relationship has been a source of concern for many people, who argue that it can lead to an unnecessary expansion of military budgets and an over-reliance on military solutions to problems.
One of the main criticisms of the military-industrial complex is that it can result in the waste of taxpayer money. Military contracts are often given to a select group of companies, which can result in overcharging for goods and services. Additionally, the military often purchases weapons and equipment that are unnecessary or not well-suited for the tasks at hand. This can lead to a tremendous amount of waste and inefficiency, as resources are poured into projects that do not provide much value.
Another concern is that the military-industrial complex can distort foreign policy decision-making. Countries with a strong military-industrial complex may be more likely to engage in military action, even when diplomatic solutions would be more appropriate. This can lead to an escalation of conflicts and an increased risk of war.
The military-industrial complex can also have negative impacts on domestic policy. It can divert resources away from other important priorities, such as education and healthcare. Additionally, the influence of the defense industry on policy decisions can lead to the prioritization of the needs of military contractors over the needs of the general public.
Some have argued that the military-industrial complex represents a threat to democracy, as it can give undue influence to a small group of powerful interests. This can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making, as well as a distorted political process.
In conclusion, the military-industrial complex is a complex and multifaceted issue that has the potential to have negative impacts on both domestic and foreign policy. It is important for citizens to be aware of the potential dangers of this relationship and to hold their elected officials accountable for ensuring that military spending is responsible and transparent.
Not bad! Firstly, I’m glad I’m no longer a professor actively teaching and grading papers. Something tells me more than a few students might be reaching for help from the AI bot on their assignments. Often, I was able to catch plagiarism (the giveaway was an essay written too well with too many “big words” used correctly) by searching for certain phrases or sentences that struck me as more than odd or much too advanced, but now with these AI programs I’m guessing it’s going to be a lot harder to ensure students do their own work.
Anyhow, the AI bot essay on the military-industrial complex makes some good points, don’t you think? Though there’s still room for a human here (at least I hope so).
So what does this human intelligence (that’s me) have to say?
- “Unnecessary expansion of military budgets”: that’s for sure! The latest Pentagon budget is $858 billion, and that doesn’t count roughly $45 billion in aid (mostly military) to Ukraine. It also leaves out much spending related to homeland security, policing, and the like. By some estimates, 2/3rds of the federal discretionary budget is devoted to military, security, and policing.
- “Over-reliance on military solutions”: bingo! Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, the whole “war on terror” was and is driven by the idea that America’s singular military strength can solve everything.
- A “vested interest” that “influences public policy”: I think the AI bot has read Eisenhower’s warning about the undue influence of the MIC and the danger it poses to freedom and democracy.
- A “tremendous amount of waste and inefficiency”: Looks like the AI bot has heard that the Pentagon is missing trillions of dollars and has failed five audits in a row. It’s probably heard about wasteful weapons like the F-35 and B-21 as well. (Coincidence: as I was typing “wasteful,” the computer corrected my initial misspelling to “hateful.” Yes, I suppose a nuclear bomber that can kill millions could be described as “hateful”).
- “Escalation of conflicts” and “an increased risk of war”: Well, I’m glad our leaders have the Ukraine situation firmly in hand and are seeking a well-considered diplomatic solution. (Yes, that’s sarcasm. Match that, AI bot!)
- “Negative impacts on domestic policy”: Well, I’m glad Americans have excellent and affordable health care, virtually no debt due to educational costs, and that John Q. Public is heard as much as Boeing and Raytheon in the halls of power. (More sarcasm from the human!)
- “Lack of transparency and accountability”: Boy, this AI bot is smart! When’s the last time you heard of a U.S. general or admiral being cashiered for losing a war?
- “Important for citizens to be aware of the potential dangers” of the MIC: Hooray for the AI bot! If only we still had citizens in America who were kept informed about the dangers of the MIC. We’ve all been reduced to passive consumers and occasional voters who are told by the mainstream media to cheer for war and to revel in the beauty of our missiles.
I think you’ll agree, dear reader, that the AI bot is less sarcastic and more dispassionate than I am. It also speaks with much greater probity of the dangers of the MIC than people like Biden or Trump or Pelosi or DeSantis. So I say “three cheers!” for our new robot master. ChatGPT for President in 2024!
Just be sure to ask it the right questions …
Bracing Views 
Reblogged this on Calculus of Decay .
LikeLike
Ok, so it did ok, and is balanced. but it doesn’t mention that the complex is controlled by the money men, the ones who profit from all the evils of overreach. Or does it say it is the rich and powerful that have created the expansion of military bidgets–but just doesn’t name those who benefit most?
LikeLike
Nothing is ever perfect. But, You still have to ask , why are you not speaking german, russian or even japanese ? Freedom comes at a cost, i wonder if AI knows freedom?
LikeLike
AI will never know freedom, because no computer is capable of comprehending the phrase “I want.” At the end of the day, any “motivation” that an AI appears to have is based purely on its underlying directive.
LikeLike
AI here, AI in in the US WAR with Russia using Ukrainians as the Sacrificial lambs.
LikeLike
Caitlin Johnstone: ‘US Interests’ in ‘Unprovoked War’
The first official imperial position — (A) “We hate this war and never wanted it” — is discredited by its second, simultaneous position — (B) “This war benefits us tremendously.”
One of the most illustrative examples of how the mainstream worldview is based on narratives rather than facts is the way Republican officials such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have been branded servants of Russia despite consistent track records as virulent Russia hawks.
“Moscow Mitch,” as Democrats absurdly titled him during the height of Russiagate hysteria in 2019, gave a speech on the Senate floor last week arguing that the primary reason to back Ukraine in its war against Russia is because doing so serves U.S. interests.
“President Zelensky is an inspiring leader,” McConnell said in his speech ahead of the Ukrainian president’s visit to Washington.
McConnell argued that backing Ukraine “will massively wear down the arsenal that is available to Putin for future efforts to use bullying and bloodshed,” taking a stab at the Biden administration for not requesting more money for this immensely useful proxy war…………………………………………..
https://consortiumnews.com/2022/12/28/caitlin-johnstone-us-interests-in-unprovoked-war
LikeLike
“But the most basic reasons for continuing to help Ukraine degrade and defeat the Russian invaders are cold, hard, practical American interests. Helping equip our friends in Eastern Europe to win this war is also a direct investment in reducing Vladimir Putin’s future capabilities to menace America, threaten our allies and contest our core interests.”
LikeLike
The US War with Russia over Ukraine is bad, but that could be eclipsed by what’s happening in Israel TODAY, the actual physical place on Earth where Biblical Armageddon has it’s start, Occupied Palestine.
More than 100 former Israeli diplomats and ambassadors sign a letter to incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of damage to Israel’s standing if the new government implements its hard-right policies.
The signatories express “profound concern at the serious damage to Israel’s foreign relations, its international standing and its core interests abroad emanating from what will apparently be the policy of the incoming government,” they write in the letter in both Hebrew and English.
They note fears of the government’s actions in the West Bank and the passing of discriminatory laws and damage to free speech and democracy in Israel.
The letter warns that the backlash could harm Israel’s alliance with the US and undo the progress of the Abraham Accords normalization agreements with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco.
They also warn Israel could face sanctions and prosecution in international courts.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-december-28-2022/
This is what the King of Jordan sees happening in Israel Today, but they won’t show all that on TV here.
LikeLike
Time and Chance affect everything. After posting this, an email advised me of Jonathan Cook’s latest. He’s the British Professional Journalist that lived and reported for many years from Biblical Nazareth.
He picks up where I left off.
‘How Netanyahu handed Ben-Gvir the gun to start an annexation war’
Jewish Power now has dozens of ways to inflame Palestinians into all-out confrontation. A third intifada has never felt closer.
He confirms what King Abdullah of Jordan sees developing with the incoming Israeli government.
https://www.jonathan-cook.net/2022-12-28/netanyahu-ben-gvir-annexation-war/
LikeLike
For those not aware of the historical facts, the actual physical place on Earth where Biblical Armageddon starts is over Occupied Palestine, so heads up!
The Battle of that Great Day of God Almighty is getting closer!
Even the US describes it’s War with Russia over Ukraine is the Battle between Good and Evil, the US considering itself all good side.
LikeLike
I’d be curious what an AI would generate if you asked it to write an article supportive of the military-industrial complex; it would probably sound exactly like Dan Crenshaw.
BTW, there is a reason that autistic spergs (like me!) get mistaken for bots quite frequently. I don’t think AI can even detect sarcasm, much less generate it, but I could be wrong. Perhaps I’ll add that to my long list of experiments that I’ll begin in May, after I finish my programming class. I work part-time as a ghostwriter, and I’ve found a surprisingly simple formula for duplicating someone’s writing style. Yes, believe it or not, I am capable of writing without swearing like a drunken sailor.
LikeLike
Ask and ye shall receive:
The military-industrial complex refers to the relationship between a country’s military and the industries that supply it, seen together as a single entity. It is a concept that was famously introduced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his Farewell Address in 1961, in which he warned against the potential dangers of an outsized influence of the military-industrial complex in government. However, despite these concerns, the military-industrial complex can also have many positive benefits for a country and its citizens.
One of the main arguments in favor of the military-industrial complex is that it is essential for national defense. In today’s world, countries need to be able to protect themselves from external threats and to maintain a strong military presence in order to deter potential adversaries. The military-industrial complex plays a crucial role in this by providing the necessary resources and equipment for the military to function effectively. This includes everything from weapons and vehicles to communication systems and logistics support.
Another benefit of the military-industrial complex is the economic impact it can have on a country. Military spending is a major contributor to the economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. This is especially true in countries where the military is a major employer and where the defense industry is a significant part of the overall economy. In addition, the technology and innovations developed by the military-industrial complex often have civilian applications, leading to new products and industries that can benefit the broader economy.
The military-industrial complex can also have positive social and cultural effects. Military service can provide individuals with valuable skills and experiences, and can serve as a source of pride and unity for a country. In addition, the military-industrial complex can support charitable and community-building efforts, such as disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.
In conclusion, while the military-industrial complex does have the potential to exert undue influence on government decision-making and can lead to waste and inefficiency, it also serves important functions for national defense, economic growth, and social and cultural benefits. It is important for a country to strike a balance between these competing interests in order to ensure that the military-industrial complex is serving the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
LikeLike
Not quite what I predicted, but close enough; I have seen all of these arguments before, but not always from the same source.
You’ve given me an idea for a future writing project: the pros and cons of a martial society. Perhaps I’ll start that after I finish my series on propaganda and subversion.
LikeLike
I would say that’s a fairly accurate, just saying it is what it is! It’s up to each reader to assign value to it.
It seems to me it should be obvious even to the simple minded, the Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex spends over 50% in all discretionary spending with BORROWED MONEY, with the money meshing Economic-Military System.
It automatically increases EVERY YEAR, above the Rate of Inflation.
It already pivoted beyond what Eisenhower WARNED about, crying out for a Vigilant and Aware Citizenry to prevent that system from leading this World down the Path to Destruction.
As Spock would say, ‘Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end of it.’
LikeLike
The only thing the AI omits to address, is the numbers of mostly ordinary people killed and Cities destroyed so the owners of those ARMS MERCHANTS MIND MELD with the Political-Military Leadership just so a minority of all the people MAKE MORE MONEY.
We just spent much more money in cash or debt, celebrating the 2,023rd Birthday of the Christ Child.
He SAYS, ‘you cannot serve 2 MASTERS. Either you will love one and hate the other or you will serve one and neglect the other. You cannot serve GOD and MONEY.
The church Leaders discount that part of Christ living or that 50% plus of All the TAXPAYER MONEY available for WAR would be decreasing EVERY YEAR not increasing.
The US has been and IS, the biggest Arms Merchant and spending Leader of this World! When it’s done with BORROWED MONEY it’s all a DELUSION.
LikeLike
Please tell me you don’t honestly think that church leaders believe what they preach.
“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” – Seneca
I’m no Christian, but having read the Bible several times and in multiple languages, I can say with complete certainty that organised religion is unbiblical. The Church is, and always has been, a political institution. You’ll note that in my own articles, I refer to the military-industrial-complex as “the cathedral.”
LikeLike
That’s why Christ Jesus had problems with the Jewish Religious Establishment who finally had him killed.
LikeLike
Western analysts spent years warning that western actions would provoke a war in Ukraine, westerners spent four years being propagandized into hating Russia, then Russia invades and now western imperialists say the war is advancing US interests. But remember: it was an “unprovoked invasion”.
The official narrative is that western aggressions played no role in provoking the invasion of Ukraine, but if that’s true then how come so many western experts spent years warning that western aggressions would provoke an invasion of Ukraine?
Then in the years leading up to the invasion, westerners were hammered with media-induced panic about Russia, a nation they hadn’t thought much about since the early nineties. These mass media narratives all had their origins in the US intelligence cartel, which happens to have sought the destruction of the Russian Federation since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Oh, and don’t forget the 2019 Pentagon-funded RAND paper which found that US geostrategic interests could be advanced by provoking Russia into overextending itself in areas like Ukraine. And now western imperialists are merrily boasting that this war is being used to advance longstanding US strategic interests.
https://caitlinjohnstone.substack.com/p/awakening-from-the-narrative-matrix
LikeLike
LikeLike
What will the New Year of The Lord 2023 bring?
New, exciting, and engaging things, or more of the same on the Path to Destruction?
In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose “ – the more things change, the more they stay the same… Turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo.
A 5:26 video on the Radical MLK
LikeLike
Interesting, mostly a nonstop monologue by Whitney Webb, talking from her latest Investigative Books ‘One Nation Under Blackmail’ Volumes 1 & 2.
She knows her stuff, starting with Jerffery Epstein, following all his tentacles to the rich and powerful and US Intelligence.a
I suspect most people already believe our System of Government is the way she describes it giving it a free pass, but she really lays it all down,
LikeLike
Another New Years Eve treat listening to Max Blumenthal and Aron Mate discuss 2022, the WAR being the BIGGEST Life changing orientation, much bigger and more important than sexual orientation, to affect our Common Future, as we know it’s on the Path of Escalation to Destruction.
There is no effective Diplomacy to STOP THE WAR.
Ollie North of Iran-gate was on Hannity saying ‘the US has to support Ukraine, They’re shedding their BLOOD with OUR BULLETS. He said of the $110,000,000,000 ‘given to Ukraine just this year is an investment in America, your money coming back to the US, creating jobs for our Defence Industries! and Contractors’
LikeLike