☆ Libertarian AI bot takes a stab at San Jose's most pressing challenges
Austrian economist and vice presidential hopeful Mike ter Maat put out the Libertarian Intelligence System Application (LISA) as a public resource providing limited-gov't perspectives on policy issues. Considering a few of SJ's extant debates, Opp Now peppered LISA with exclusive questions on bond measures, shady nonprofits, and more—the resulting discourse (our questions embellished for flair) below.
Opportunity Now: As we get closer to November 2024, voters are beginning to consider local gov't proposals. How should we—and local gov't—evaluate potential bond measures?
LISA: Bond measures can be helpful in funding important public projects and initiatives that benefit the community. Bond measures allow governments to borrow money by issuing bonds to finance projects such as infrastructure improvements, school construction, public transportation, and affordable housing initiatives. These projects can have long-term benefits for the community, such as improving public services, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
However, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of bond measures on taxpayers and the overall financial health of the community. Bond measures can result in increased taxes or fees to repay the borrowed funds, so it is crucial for governments to be transparent about how the funds will be used and to ensure that the projects funded by the bonds are necessary and beneficial to the community.
Additionally, it is important for governments to have a plan in place to manage the debt incurred through bond measures and to ensure that the funds are used efficiently and effectively. Proper oversight and accountability mechanisms are essential to prevent misuse or mismanagement of funds.
ON: What's your take on the corruption, fraud, and plain shady behaviors locals are observing in Bay Area nonprofits (particularly those purporting to ameliorate the homelessness crisis)?
LISA: Corruption within nonprofits is a serious issue that can have damaging consequences for both the organization and the communities they serve. Nonprofits are expected to operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity in order to maintain the trust of their donors, supporters, and the public. When corruption occurs within a nonprofit, it can erode public trust, damage the organization's reputation, and hinder its ability to fulfill its mission effectively. There are several ways in which corruption can manifest within nonprofits, including embezzlement of funds, misuse of resources, conflicts of interest, and unethical behavior by staff or board members.
It is important for nonprofits to have strong internal controls, oversight mechanisms, and ethical guidelines in place to prevent and detect corruption. If corruption is suspected within a nonprofit, it is important for the organization to conduct a thorough investigation, take appropriate disciplinary action, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
ON: Since October 7 of last year, antisemitic hate has dramatically risen in the Bay Area and across the U.S. In January, our District Attorney Jeff Rosen was defaced and vilified in a violent pro-Hamas flyer. Later, a Jewish academic was heckled by a crowd of SJSU students yelling “intifada.” All while mainstream local media refused, and refuses, to speak up. What's the Libertarian POV on discrimination against Jewish individuals?
LISA: Antisemitism is prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards Jewish people. It has a long history and has manifested in various forms, including stereotypes, violence, and discrimination. Antisemitism is considered a form of racism and is widely condemned by human rights organizations and governments around the world.
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