E148: McCarthy ousted, border chaos, Cruise's robotaxi "accident" & more
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & FriedbergFri Oct 06 2023
Colonoscopy:
- One speaker had their first colonoscopy in December
- The age for colonoscopies was moved down to 45 from 50
- Another speaker had already had a colonoscopy
- They discussed the process and effects of prep, which clears out the system before the procedure
Correction on Airtable Information:
- The numbers cited were accurate at the time of the last round of funding, but outdated now
- Airtable is estimated to have around half a billion dollars in ARR with decent growth
Kevin McCarthy ousted as Speaker of the House:
- McCarthy was voted out as Speaker of the House in a vote where eight Republicans joined all Democrats
- Reasons for his ousting include broken promises on spending discipline and handling of Ukraine issues
- Trust issues and lack of alignment with Republican caucus views also contributed to his removal
US Southern Border Situation:
- Data shows an increase in encounters at the border compared to previous years, pointing towards another record-breaking year for migrant crossings
- Videos and reports indicate an overwhelmed Border Patrol and people crossing through gaps in walls or running across due to limited resources
- There is debate over how to handle asylum claims and whether current policies are effective
Cruise robotaxi "accident" in SF:
- A hit-and-run incident involving a Cruise vehicle occurred in San Francisco where a human driver struck the vehicle and fled the scene
- Emergency responders used tools to lift the vehicle off a woman's leg who was trapped underneath it
Discussion on border security solutions:
- The hosts discuss potential solutions for border security, including sensor towers and cameras along the border to monitor activity
- They also mention using National Guard troops at the border for additional manpower
- There is a debate over how to handle asylum claims and whether there should be limitations or stricter requirements for granting asylum
Need for an orderly immigration process:
- The hosts emphasize the importance of an orderly immigration process rather than an open border policy
- They suggest implementing a point-based system and recruitment based on merit for skilled workers
- They also advocate for reinstating policies like remain in Mexico for processing asylum claims
The role of politics in immigration policies:
- There is discussion about how immigration policies have become politicized, leading to polarizing views on border security and enforcement
- Both parties are mentioned as having different perspectives on immigration, with a divide between establishment Republicans and populist Republicans emerging
Need for Biden administration action:
- The hosts discuss how the Biden administration needs to acknowledge the changing situation at the border and take appropriate actions
- They suggest that Biden should admit the need for stronger border security measures, including potentially building a wall or using sensor towers
- They emphasize that data should inform policy decisions and prompt necessary adjustments
Importance of data-driven solutions:
- The hosts stress the importance of accurate data in addressing border security challenges
- They propose deploying sensor towers along with cameras to monitor activity at hotspots along the border
- These data-driven solutions would provide clarity and enable effective decision-making in managing border security
Cruise's Robotaxi "Accident" and Lack of Risk Tolerance in the US:
- Local media reported a Cruise self-driving car being responsible for an incident involving a woman in San Francisco.
- The incident resulted in the woman suffering traumatic injuries and being trapped under the vehicle.
- This incident has highlighted a deep disdain for technological progress and a lack of risk tolerance in the US.
- Data shows that there are approximately 45,000 auto accident deaths each year in the US, with 80% caused by DUI, speeding, and not using seatbelts.
- Autonomous driving eliminates these factors as they are programmed to not speed and require passengers to wear seatbelts.
Lack of Risk Tolerance and Progress in Technology:
- There is a general lack of risk tolerance in Western culture when it comes to adopting new technologies.
- Fear of loss often leads to regulations halting advancements instead of allowing them to move forward at an accelerated pace.
- Examples such as nuclear fission show how fear and regulatory capture have hindered progress in areas like energy production.
- Challenge trials, which could potentially reduce deaths from diseases, have been banned due to luxury beliefs that prioritize personal comfort over progress.
Regulatory Capture and JetSuite X:
- JetSuite X offers hop-on public charter flights at private airports similar in price to first-class tickets on major airlines.
- Critics accuse JetSuite X of exploiting a regulatory loophole regarding pilot training requirements compared to commercial airlines.
- American Southwest and aviation unions argue that companies like JetSuite X should be legislated out of existence or subject to higher standards.
Efficacy of Autonomous Driving and Tesla's Progress:
- Skepticism exists around Cruise's ability to develop autonomous driving technology compared to Tesla's progress.
- Tesla's extensive data collection from its fleet gives them an advantage in training their self-driving algorithms.
The Sphere and Potential for Future Live Entertainment Venues:
- The Sphere is an immersive dome with a 360-foot tall screen that offers unique live entertainment experiences.
- It combines physical and virtual elements, creating scenes and sets that provide an unparalleled level of engagement for attendees.
JetSuite X Regulatory Arbitrage:
- JetSuite X operates under Part 135 regulations, which have lower minimum hour requirements for pilots compared to commercial airlines operating under Part 121 regulations.
- Critics argue that as JetSuite X grows larger, the loophole allowing them to hire pilots with fewer flight hours should be closed or higher standards established.
Closing Thoughts on Risk Tolerance and Technology Progression:
- Society needs to reevaluate its risk tolerance when it comes to technological advancements.
- Fear-based reactions often hinder progress by focusing on individual losses rather than considering the broader benefits.