If US voters cannot be trusted to choose an able president, let tech firms take the lead
Chandran Nair says the dysfunctional US political system is the place to start if American technology firms truly believe in their claims of being able to create a global, connected utopia
Even by the usually shallow standards of American politics, the 2016 election is dire. There is little policy discussion to speak of, as both sides resort to character attacks and accusations.
Many Americans have despaired about their choices this year. Donald Trump is widely viewed as unqualified for the presidency, but he still appeals to about 40 per cent of America. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, comes with a great deal of self-inflicted baggage. Her opponents say she is the “most corrupt person” ever to contest the US elections. Many Americans do not trust her, and she is likely to be the most unpopular election victor in recent history.
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And there is still this uncomfortable fact: assuming Clinton wins next week, four out of America’s past five presidents would have been either a Clinton or a Bush. This would be almost a quarter century of America being run by two political families. In any other democratic country, this would be seen as extremely troubling and even attract ridicule.
So here is a modest proposal to save the United States and the rest of the world. If America’s political process, parties and voters cannot be trusted to select good candidates and a capable president, maybe someone – or something – can take its place? Perhaps, given the hype surrounding technological innovation in the US, it is time for some “artificial intelligence” to inject some sanity into the process?
American tech firms never seem to need an invitation to propose how technology can solve everyone else’s problems. Innovation and disruption are the words of the day; so what about “innovation” and “disruption” in US politics and for the global good?
