The New Magnificent Seven (7)? Anthropic's 7 Billionaire Founders Pledge 80% of Their Wealth (Reblog)

“The thing to worry about is a level of wealth concentration that will break society,” Amodei wrote.

I have been publishing content on Medium.com for over a decade, and what I like about this platform is that reading the articles is just as rewarding as writing them. Medium writers consistently publish content that is thought-provoking, insightful, informative, educational, and entertaining. I lifted the quote above from an article by Tasmia Sharmin titled "Anthropic’s 7 Billionaire Founders Just Pledged 80% of Their Wealth (Because They Know What’s Coming) | | Predict".  Below are my remarks (sometimes I reshare my thoughts via JDVM).

Photo by Rob on Unsplash

That's a laughable quote. IT sounds like he's talking about Trump, his kids, and his loyalist cronies.

AT any rate, “extreme” wealth is a tremendous blessing and responsibility. If people who “earned” it want to give it away, maybe they could start by paying their employees a “generous” wage and a compensation package that includes insurance for healthcare, on-the-job injury, and death [which the employees are clearly going to need], plus retirement [if they live]. The kind of “wage” where people won't rely on government welfare, food banks, religious and charity organizations, etc. You know most people don't want hand-outs. They want to work, earn an honest living, and have a happy life. You know? Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and all that jazz.

ANYWAY! My advice to the billionaires is … DON'T PAY TAXES! They already see what Trump is doing with our tax dollars. Only a fool would give him MO MONEY!!

If “The New Magnificent 7” want to build or rebuild a great America, then they should probably micro-manage their own good fortunes. Pledging is one thing. But the visionary “80%” need to make sure the redistributed wealth gets to WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO!!

Visionary billionaires pledge to redistribute the extreme wealth they are certain they will make from AI (artificial intelligence) initiatives.  (Yawn.🥱)

Just me babbling.

How AI Data Centers are Pushing America’s Electric Grid to Its Limits ("Just the facts, mam.")

They say “ignorance is bliss”, but that's not really true. Everybody knows it's not a good thing to bury your head in the sand. No matter how uncomfortable or painful the truth is, IF you need to know THEN … YOU NEED TO KNOW!

When I was very young, my mother had a habit of answering my questions with “You'll understand it when you get older.” Her answer was frustrating, but guess what? When I got older, I did understand. 

A lot of tech talk goes straight over my head. While I may not understand what's being said, I don't ignore it and forget it. I usually file it away in memory banks because … one day I might understand.

I apply my mom's wise words to nebulous (might be "nefarious") tech talk that I hear or read. I sigh and think to myself: 'I'll understand later.'

💡💡💡

While casually perusing a newsletter I subscribe to, these statements caught my eye.

“AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt. Utilities are warning of shortages. Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits. Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.” (SOURCE: WealthDaily.com)

I immediately thought: 'Nah! That can't be right. (O.o) Is it?'

So I did a little research, and I have to say that … I'm a bit alarmed.

• BOTTOM LINE: The core claims in that statement are broadly supported by current reporting, though with important nuance. Here’s what the evidence shows, broken down by each part of the claim.

◆

1. “AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt.”

(Supported, with nuance.)

Multiple authoritative sources confirm that AI-driven data center growth is outpacing the speed at which utilities can expand generation and transmission:

• The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a Level 3 alert—its highest warning—citing “significant risks” to grid reliability from large data centers and AI loads.

• POWER Magazine reports that power availability has become the limiting factor for where and how fast hyperscale AI data centers can be built, because these facilities now require 300–600 MW each, comparable to a mid-sized city.

• Forbes notes that regions like Northern Virginia and Texas are hitting capacity limits, with utilities struggling to keep up with demand.

Conclusion: The grid is not literally being “drained,” but demand from AI data centers is growing faster than grid infrastructure can be expanded, creating real constraints*.

[*So?  They're NOT crying wolf?🐺]

◆

2. “Utilities are warning of shortages.”

(Supported.)

• Utility CEOs in Texas*, the Midwest, and Virginia have publicly warned that AI-related load growth is straining capacity.

• Grid operators in Texas, the Great Plains, and the mid-Atlantic region project major electricity demand spikes driven largely by data centers.

• NERC’s Level 3 alert itself is a formal warning of potential reliability shortfalls.

Conclusion: Yes — utilities and grid monitors are issuing explicit warnings.

[*Really? I live in Texas, and the ads I see on TV practically say data centers were sent from God! The Texas data centers offer high-paying jobs and are used to run systems that keep our schools and streets safe. Any idea how many mass shootings we've had at schools in Texas?]

◆

3. “Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits.”

(Partially supported.)

While the statement is directionally correct, the evidence is more nuanced:

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023, which streamlines interconnection processes and accelerates timelines for connecting new generation and large loads. This indirectly helps data centers by speeding up the clean energy projects they depend on.

• Grid operators and regulators have formed special task forces to accelerate large load interconnections.

Conclusion: Federal agencies are taking steps to accelerate permitting and interconnection, though the phrase “fast tracking permits” is a simplification.

[*Fast-tracking? Under the Trump administration? Why am I not surprised?]

◆

4. “Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.”

(Supported in spirit, though phrased dramatically.)

Evidence shows that major tech companies are aggressively securing dedicated power sources:

• Some developers are contracting directly with private power producers or installing on-site natural gas generators because grid capacity is insufficient.

• Utilities and developers are turning to natural gas and nuclear to provide 24/7 baseload power for AI data centers.

• Exxon and Chevron have announced plans to enter the power supply market specifically to serve data centers, including natural gas-powered generation.

Conclusion: Big Tech and energy companies are indeed racing to secure* reliable baseload power, though the imagery of “scrambling” is rhetorical.

[*Seems like Big Tech and energy companies are always racing to secure their “power”. What do they care? They're moving to Mars. Right?]

◆◆

Overall Assessment

The WD statement is directionally accurate and substantially supported by current reporting, though it uses dramatic language. Here is a summary of the VERIFIED FACTS:

• AI data center demand is growing extremely fast.

• Grid capacity is struggling to keep up.

• Utilities and regulators are issuing warnings and accelerating processes.

• Tech companies are securing dedicated energy sources, including gas and potentially nuclear.

The only part that is somewhat overstated is the implication* of a federal emergency–style “fast track,” but federal and regional regulators are accelerating interconnection and permitting reforms.

[*I used to work for the federal government. Based on my real work experience, I'm inclined to believe the “implication” is SPOT ON! When you're assessing anything being done by the federal government and the US military, ALWAYS IMAGINE THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO. If it turns out not to be how you imagined, you'll breathe a sigh of relief.]

***

SOURCES/REFERENCES:

►► AI Data Centers Straining the Grid

Baker, Mike. “Data Centers Are Gobbling Up America’s Electricity.” The New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024.
Nicas, Jack. “The A.I. Boom Could Use a Lot of Power. How Green Will It Be?” The New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024.

►► Utility Warnings and Grid Reliability Alerts

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). 2023–2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment. NERC, Dec. 2023.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC Issues Level 3 Alert on Large Load Interconnection. NERC, 2024.

►► Federal Agencies Accelerating Permitting / Interconnection

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Order No. 2023: Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements. FERC, 2023.
Eisen, Joel B., and Emily Hammond. “FERC’s New Interconnection Rules Aim to Speed Up Clean Energy Deployment.” Harvard Environmental Law Review, 2023.

► ► Big Tech Securing Turbines, Pipelines, and Baseload Power

Meyer, Robinson. “Big Tech’s Next Big Energy Play.” Heatmap News, 2024.
Sorkin, Andrew Ross. “Tech Giants Are Buying Up Power to Feed A.I.” The New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024.
DiChristopher, Tom. “Exxon and Chevron Plan to Supply Power to Data Centers.” CNBC, 22 Jan. 2024.

► ► Regional Grid Constraints (Virginia, Texas, Midwest)

Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. “Northern Virginia’s Data Center Boom Is Running Out of Power.” Data Center Knowledge, 2023.
Malik, Naureen. “Texas Grid Strains Under Data Center and Crypto Mining Demand.” Bloomberg, 2024.

It's not just Texas and Virginia.  Georgia and Nevada are also having problems.  There very likely will be more!  

***

NOTE:  As I stated earlier, a lot of tech talk goes over my head.  So the research was done, and this content was prepared using a free Microsoft AI tool. The notes marked [*...] are just ME (not AI), just babbling to myself. 😟

Pentagon News You Need to Know

The Pentagon doesn't typically announce eight contracts in a single day. But they did!

In a single coordinated announcement, the Department of War signed agreements with eight major AI firms to deploy their models on the most highly classified military networks in the country.

1. Amazon Web Services
2. Google
3. Microsoft
4. OpenAI
5. SpaceX
6. Nvidia
7. Oracle
8. Reflection AI (a 2-year-old start-up).

They can operate inside Impact Levels 6 and 7 networks — the systems that handle secret and top-secret military data.

Some say this is a watershed moment for the AI industry.

And it's an even bigger moment for defense investors.

“The agreements give all eight companies the green light to deploy their AI models for what the Pentagon calls "lawful operational use" — which is bureaucratic-speak for 'whatever the military decides it needs them for.'"

INFO SOURCE: Wealth Daily newsletter

***

WHAT I THINK:

So when Trump says the stock is doing well under his administration, what he really means is that the average citizen may have to pay more for groceries and gas, but … so what! His buddies are being told that defense assets is where it's at! Trump doesn't care what the poll numbers say. If people don't think his handling of the economy is good … so what! He's building “bigger barns”. TRUMP KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!

Are We the People happy?🗽O??

SO WHAT!!

The goat and the pig are doing their own thing.

President Trump = 🐐🟠 ~ Truth?

SOW Pete Hegseth = 🐷~ Right?

Previously published via Tumblr.

"President Trump never forgets." #quotes #SOW #PeteHegseth said on behalf of #POTUS #Trump, warning #NATO they'll regret not being an ally. It's so scary. The pig🐖 is being a bully for the orange goat 🐐🟠in the diaper, who is huffing & puffing like a wolf. Is this a remake of #AnimalFarm OR 1984?🤔

— [ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛʜʏʟ ꜰᴏx ᴀᴋᴀ ᴄᴍᴏɴᴇʏꜱᴘɪɴɴᴇʀ] 💖 (@cmoneyspinner.bsky.social) 2026-03-31T19:06:40.963Z

Are You Ready to Trust Dr. AI? (My Answer to This Question)

Kshitija(KJ) Gupte published an article via Medium.com titled "Are we ready to put our health in the hands of Dr. AI?". It is an excellent read. After reading I left a few comments.  When it comes to the use of AI by members of the healthcare profession, almost everybody has thoughts about this topic.  My thoughts shared at the article are also published below.  I would like my comments with my JDV blog visitors, who don't visit the Medium platform. 

AI-generated Image by Abd Karim Alias from Pixabay

I don't have any problem with "Dr. AI". The technology is not the problem. The misuse and abuse of technology is the problem.

And who can misuse and abuse technology? HUMANS!

So it all boils down to whether or not people in the healthcare profession have ethics and morals, mercy and compassion ... i.e. humanity.

Because all the technology in the world can't replace the mind of a person who is dishonest and has no integrity. Whether they use AI or not, you're putting your health in their hands.

The thing is ... you can't always spot a doctor who is disguised as “Dr. Death”, who is misdiagnosing you intentionally, to make merchandise out of you.

Several years ago, I lived in a US city where there was an article in the newspaper about doctors who were deliberately misdiagnosing patients, making them sicker, and then re-diagnosing them (after their condition had worsened) so that they could continue to treat them for a longer period of time. Why cure your patient on their first visit, when you can keep them coming back over and over again? Disgusting isn't it? Sad, but true.

Artificial intelligence is just a tool to be used in conjunction with human intelligence.

But nobody has figured out how to program the intelligence of a person to be a DECENT HUMAN BEING!!

***

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