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Mastodon server operated by David Troy, a tech pioneer and investigative journalist addressing threats to democracy. Thoughtful participation and discussion welcome.

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The vote on Kash Patel as FBI Director has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a vote of 12-10, along party lines. Floor vote to follow in coming days. The country is hanging by a thread.
x.com/nytimes/status/189007218

X (formerly Twitter)The New York Times (@nytimes) on XBreaking News: A Senate panel voted to advance Kash Patel’s FBI director nomination, paving the way for a floor vote on his confirmation. https://t.co/XZqvD1ORLx

@davetroy

You said that the AI faux podcast explaining “project russia” was very important for understanding what’s happening now. I have twice started listening, but gave up.

I trust you on the importance. But I can’t get past that irritant. When you read from your Paranoia on Parade article, it was also a lot of info, but easy listening! So why not translated just have the AI read the “project russia” playbook? Maybe even in your voice? Meryl Streep? That AI banter is insufferable.

@lindamarie my advice is to get over it and deal with the importance of the material. Some people didn't like it, most found it enlightening. But either way, you're in danger — this is no time to quibble over style points. Sorry.

LindaMarie

@davetroy

It’s not a quibble. It’s hard to retain a train of thought, and since it’s a new format for you (as far as I know?) I thought maybe you’d be open to offering a simple reading in tandem. I don’t know how hard it is to get AI to generate another version.

I’ve read/listened to your work for many years. Believe me, I know we’re in trouble.

@lindamarie honestly, it is a quibble. If you don't like the episode, don't listen to it. But no, there is no simple way to generate another version, and there was certainly no way to do it in December 2024, which was paramount given the urgency.

@lindamarie sorry, I don't mean to be disagreeable. It's an extremely bad day, and I'm dealing with ongoing threats to my safety and security. The bottom line is that people need to get used to consuming some kinds of AI produced content, especially when it's the difference between getting information and not getting it at all. I do understand people's concerns about it and only would rely on such tools in the case of extreme emergencies, which this was. Obviously, it was too late.

@davetroy

Thanks, Dave. I’m so sorry that on top of all the awful, and then more awful stuff that’s happening right now, that you’re also dealing with threats to your safety. It’s madness!

You’ve done an amazing and meticulous job of telling the story of how we got here. I couldn’t get through to my own family about the importance of understanding this moment, and the consequences should we fall to defeat these thugs. They think I’m overreacting.

I’m grateful for your courage and tenacity.