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This is a collection of possible “new and revised” legislation that I’d like for our Missouri state representatives and senators to consider (Data Center issues are near the end).

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Fifty-some years ago, I expected that I would run for a political office “one day.” But for most of the past 50 years, I’ve believed I would probably be un-electable for most offices. Here is why.

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Greene County MO is BANKRUPT, or will be when thousands of illegally-detained people file claims and lawsuits. Some of them are US citizens. 

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The Downtown Springfield Association (DTA) held a “listening session” Saturday morning, at the Downtown Church. DSA Executive Director Crystal Quade and a team from PeopleCentric (Philip & Don) spoke with about 20 people. These are my random notes.

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Enron. That’s the most important keyword when evaluating AI data centers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enron_scandal

How many of the mega-datacenters are owned, operated, controlled and contracted entirely through Enron-style style LLC & REIT shell companies, which could default on all environmental, power, water & community commitments?

• New: data center legislation: @techpolicy.press
• “Why Big Tech’s AI Spending Is $3 Trillion Higher Than It Seems: Massive spending commitments for data-center leases and chips aren’t shown on companies’ balance sheets” @Wall Street Journal (Aug. 16, 2026)

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Comments Off on An apology and correction about Republic 2.0

25 years ago, I chanced upon a book called Republic 2.0, by Cass Sunstein, and I wrote a fairly detailed critique of the concept that people would actually isolate themselves online and exacerbate tensions and conflict by participating in enclaves and not interacting with those who disagreed:

https://www.markwelchblog.com/2002/01/21/54

I was right, and I was wrong. What I missed: oligarchs and media operators would deliberately create propaganda silos to exploit people. Sunstein’s focus was on people making their own autonomous choices, but I didn’t recognize that aggressive evil people would deliberately seek the worse possible outcomes.

I also did not expect potentially “neutral” portals (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.) would themselves amplify and worsen the tendencies, for their own profit.

Comments Off on Michael Hasty is not a serious candidate

Michael Hasty is NOT a serious candidate for Missouri District 135 State Representative

I assume that Mr. Hasty is sincere (if misguided) in his candidacy, and he won a serious share (45%) of the vote as the Republican candidate in 2024.