Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, recently declared that he feels politically homeless, a sentiment I can relate to on my own journey. At one point, he was a proud Democrat, but over the years, he’s felt increasingly disconnected from the party as it lost its way. I share that feeling of abandonment, but my reasons are a bit different—I'm a black independent civil libertarian who sees the political landscape shrinking around us. I believe that too much power concentrated in too few hands is a recipe for disaster, and while I think having borders is essential, building walls around them is a dangerous idea. Our republic thrives on slow change and difficult debates; it’s what keeps us grounded, and honestly, I think that’s a feature, not a bug. What do you think? Let’s dive into this discussion. Navigating the current political landscape is no easy feat, and in today’s episode, we dive headfirst into the thoughts of Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, who has expressed feeling 'politically homeless.' Reflecting on his journey from a proud Democrat at 20 to feeling alienated from the party by age 40, Altman’s experiences resonate with many who see the political arena as increasingly polarized. I share my own sentiments of disconnection, identifying as a black independent civil libertarian, and it’s clear that the shrinking political tents are leaving individuals like us in a lurch. We examine the notion of power being concentrated in too few hands and the implications of our borders—while I support the importance of borders in maintaining order, I also argue against extreme measures that could restrict personal freedom. The slow pace of change in our republic is not a hindrance; it’s a vital part of our democratic process. I invite listeners to share their thoughts on these pressing issues, as the debate is essential for our collective future.

Takeaways:

1. Sam Altman describes his political journey from a proud Democrat to feeling politically homeless.
2. As a black independent civil libertarian, I also feel abandoned by the political landscape.
3. The idea of too much power concentrated in too few hands seems utterly crazy to me.
4. We must recognize that while borders are necessary, building walls can hinder our freedom to move.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. jamesabrown.net

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. OpenAI

This is the Daily Note.

I'm James A.

Brown.

Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI, said he's politically homeless.

At 20 he was a proud Democrat.

By 30 he thought they'd lost the plot.

And now at 40, he sees no room in the party for himself or those somewhat like him.

That's why he's politically homeless.

Well, I am too, Sam, but for different reasons.

I'm a black independent civil libertarian.

I feel abandoned by shrinking political tents.

I think too much power and too few hands is crazy and I think it's foolish not to have borders.

But putting a wall on those borders is unacceptable too, because it can keep us from leaving.

Our republic has survived because change is slow and debate is hard.

It's a feature, not a bug.

So what do you think?

Let me know in the comments and check out more@jamesabrown.net on that note.

I'm James A.

Brown and as always, be well.