More Delights and Disdains . . .

of a diminutive nature of late . . . Number 17

Disdains:

Reading about the AI controlled F-16 fighter jet that carried the US Air Force Secretary on a ride last week. According to the news article he said that he trusted the AI technology to decide whether to fire weapons during a war. Apparently, the Air Force has ordered 1000 unmanned aircraft with the earliest ones operational by 2028. I am normally hawkish on these matters and I understand that we are in technology war with China but something about AI controlled warfare keeps nagging at me. Something about how if we are created in the image of God and yet do great evil towards each other, what greater evil will an intelligence do that is created by us. I suspect that weaponizing AI technology before we understand the limits of our control over it poses an existential threat. Factoring in the exponential increase in power that will come from quantum computing or other technological advances will only bring that threat closer to reality.

Watching South Carolina’s state and local Republican Party members engage in a contest of gnat and camel swallowing as the legislative session adjourns. I don’t miss that.

Delights:

Having my son home for the summer from his first year at Clemson University though I don’t know how much I will see him since he is on college student time, while I malinger around on old man Parkinson’s time. Needless to say that I am proud of him. He studied hard and was rewarded with a 4.0 gpa along with a good rapport with his English professors. Now, just maybe, he will relax and enjoy himself with some of his new-found friends.

Waking up to the sight of political yard signs. As varied in design and color as Spring wildflowers, they announce the beginning of South Carolina’s political campaign season. I have to confess that I always enjoyed campaigning. A good thing since I faced challengers in 5 out of 7 election cycles in which I stood and won. I was somewhat disappointed to discover that most politicians do not share my enthusiasm for campaigns. How could they not enjoy the late night strategy sessions, harried fundraising, parrying attack ads with attack ads, sweltering stump meetings, candidate debates, door-to-door meetings with indifferent or radicalized voters, unsuccessfully evading biting dogs, counting down to election day, and finally hearing the vote tally letting you know if your ego is intact or destroyed? I miss that.

Thinking about how my initial Parkinson’s diagnosis motivated me to seize the day. I am thankful for its slow progression as it now motivates me to live in the moment.