A new AI tool has become available: NotebookLM. I thought I'd give it a try on inequality and politics, using my own accumulated written resources. I've long used Amazon Kindle to read and highlight books. With the development of Readwise Reader I am also able to capture much of the articles I read in a web browser. Readwise can then export this captured information to various formats, including one large file stored in Google Drive. NotebookLM can then use that large file as a source for AI inquiries. Here is what is represented in that file, that I've used for the following post.
I asked NotebookLM to use my Readwise resource file to describe income and wealth inequality:
Income and wealth inequality is a significant issue in many countries, and it is often influenced by political actions.
Income inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income across a population, while wealth inequality refers to the unequal distribution of assets and property.
Income inequality can be exacerbated by policies that favor the wealthy, such as tax cuts for the rich or deregulation of industries that benefit the wealthy.
Wealth inequality can be exacerbated by policies that privatize government functions or cut social programs that benefit the poor.
Political actions can also impact income and wealth inequality by influencing access to education and healthcare. For example, policies that make it more difficult for people to afford higher education or healthcare can lead to increased income and wealth inequality.
Additionally, political actions that suppress voter turnout or disproportionately impact minority and low-income voters can perpetuate income and wealth inequality.
Then I asked NotebookLM how Republican policies affect the rich and the poor:
Republicans benefit the rich by enacting policies that favor them and harm the poor by cutting social programs and safety nets.
Tax cuts for the wealthy: Republicans often support tax cuts for high-income earners and corporations, which can lead to increased income inequality. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 disproportionately benefited wealthy Americans and corporations while doing little to help the poor.
Deregulation: Republicans often advocate for deregulation, which can lead to increased corporate profits and reduced consumer protections. For example, the Trump administration rolled back environmental regulations, which harmed the environment and public health.
Privatization: Republicans often support privatizing government functions, which can lead to increased costs for the poor and middle class. For example, the Bush administration privatized parts of Social Security, which led to higher costs for beneficiaries.
Cuts to social programs: Republicans often support cutting social programs that benefit the poor, such as welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid. For example, the Trump administration proposed cuts to Medicaid that would have harmed millions of low-income Americans.
Opposition to minimum wage increases: Republicans often oppose raising the minimum wage, which would help to lift millions of Americans out of poverty. For example, the Trump administration did not support raising the minimum wage.
Support for voter ID laws: Republicans often support voter ID laws, which can disproportionately harm minority and low-income voters. For example, the North Carolina voter ID law was found to discriminate against black voters.
These are just a few examples of how Republicans benefit the rich and harm the poor. Their policies often lead to increased income inequality, reduced consumer protections, and cuts to essential social programs.>
Then I asked how Democrat policies affect inequality:
Democrats have taken several steps to reduce income inequality, including:
Raising taxes on high-income earners: Democrats believe that the wealthy should pay a higher share of taxes to support public programs like Social Security, Medicare, and education.
Expanding access to affordable housing: Democrats have supported policies such as rent control and affordable housing construction to make housing more affordable for low- and middle-income families.
Investing in education and job training: Democrats believe that investing in education and job training is essential to helping people move out of poverty and into the middle class.
Raising the minimum wage: Democrats have supported raising the minimum wage to ensure that all workers are paid a living wage.
Expanding access to healthcare: Democrats believe that everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of their income.
Promoting equal opportunity: Democrats have fought for policies that promote equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
As further commentary on inequality and politics, the following were just published this week by one Democrat and three Republicans:
My Ultimate History Crash Course | Robert Reich - YouTube
Robert Reich answers:
Are we in a second Gilded Age? Is Trump really a Fascist? Why are we so politically polarized? How did corporations take over our politics?
This Is What Will Happen If Trump Is President | The Warning - YouTube
Steve Schmidt answers:
Where will the US be on Jan 25th, 2025? Is Biden's PR team the worst you've ever seen? Why isn't Trump behind bars? What is the best way to influence candidates? Are you concerned about the 3rd party candidates?
A GOP In Disarray | Enemies List WSG Michael Steele - YouTube
Rick Wilson is joined by former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and RNC Chairman, Michael Steele:
Together, they discuss what they describe as a tumultuous week for the Republican Party. They touch on the leadership challenges faced by Mike Johnson, the party's stance on immigration, the GOP's approach to Ukraine, and the resignation of Ronna McDaniel as party chair.
One large file is the key. I had hoped I could just point NotebookLM at say a folder from Obsidian, but 20 files is the max. You figured out how to do it.