Following Biden’s disastrous debate, the question of conspiracy has naturally emerged. Is DNC leadership trying to replace the President beyond the messy chaos of a standard primary? A valid question, but less interesting than the way the question has been targeted. In a spirit reminiscent of Covid lab leak thought policing, YC founder Paul Graham publicly condemned Balaji Srinivasan for sharing his perspective on the “anti-democratic” DNC. The notion, Paul said, was “dangerous.” But the concept of a “dangerous idea” banned from discussion — in 2024? That’s a no for me, dog. Paul’s strategy, also employed by Vinod against the “extremist” All-in besties, is to socially ostracize people in tech with whom he disagrees rather than engage with them in good faith. It’s an underhanded, and (if I may) “dangerous” tactic responsible for many of the last decade’s most lobotomized public policies. Sorry, Paul, we don’t do that anymore. Better luck on Threads.

Per a new piece in Financial Times, the CCP regularly demands “acts of loyalty” — including studying political materials and memorizing pro-China rhetoric — from party members who live and work in the US. Unbelievable, right? Who would’ve thought a totalitarian regime would exercise control over members domiciled abroad except… well, anyone who considered it for more than a few seconds. But, remember, only a couple years ago the press accused Peter Thiel of “Asia bashing” when he suggested Chinese spies had infiltrated Google, and balked at Mark Zuckerberg’s claims before Congress that the CCP routinely steals American tech. What’s changed since? Essentially, too many sleuthing professors and promiscuous “interns” emerged for the lie to continue. Almost makes you think of Covid, the other “Asia bashing” theory of the last four years that turned out to be true. Call it the summer of narrative collapse. Crack open a beer and enjoy.

Last week, the Biden administration awarded $504 million in grants authorized by the Trump-era CHIPS Act to a dozen projects across the country, with hopes of establishing new “tech hubs” in overlooked areas and turning these regions into powerhouses for industries like biomanufacturing, clean energy, and AI. The big, regional winners: South Florida, upstate New York, and booming economic heavyweights like *checks notes* central Indiana. Honestly, it’s kind of cool to see them at least pretend the money will go to something useful, and I’d be more supportive if the concept were in any way based in reality. But despite the ignorant ramblings of career politicians, no amount of cash pissed into a random town will magically result in thousands of tech jobs, and important new innovations. Congrats on all the votes though. Oh, are you concerned about Biden’s age, central Indiana? *slides hundred-million-dollar check under the table* How about now?

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techcrunch’s wild spiral into madness reminds us of the stakes, a brief history of “new” media, and notes from pirate wires — what we knew, what we learned along the way, and where we’re going

california relies disproportionately on a tiny handful of ultrawealthy households, which underwrite the state’s massive expenditures. what happens if it taxes them out?

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