I wrote before about the dangerous idea of letting computers make decisions for us. The Toyota serial recall highlighted again how over-reliance on computers can lead to much more significant consequences than an annoying “check engine” light. IEEE Spectrum has a number of good articles/podcasts on the subject, here, here, and here.
Another dangerous idea - that regulation solves everything (e.g., out-of-control health care costs) - is highlighted by the failure of regulators to keep up with technology advances and perform their duties in overseeing Toyota. Giant Brains running the Government-Academia Complex believe not only in thinking machines but also in the infallibility of government regulators.
Surprisingly, at least as far as health care is concerned, even Robert Reich agrees that competition trumps regulation every day. Maybe even Giant Brains can be redeemed…

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