I am concerned about the growing influence of anti-democratic philosophies, particularly those articulated by figures like Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and the military contractor Palantir, and their detrimental impact on the foundational principles of our society.
Peter Thiel's political vision, articulated as early as 2009 in his essay "The Education of a Libertarian," directly opposes democratic governance. He has explicitly stated, "I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible". This philosophy seeks to "find an escape from politics in all its forms," including democratic government itself. Thiel blames the perceived sorry state of things on "the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries" and "the extension of the franchise to women," lamenting that these factors made it virtually impossible for libertarians to prevail at the ballot box. His proposed solution is to reject the unthinking body politic and create a world not bounded by historical nation-states.
This vision entails a sweeping political agenda including the wholesale gutting of government agencies, eraseing diversity from the historical record, the ratcheting back of regulations and public aid, and an obsessive love affair with cryptocurrencies. Thiel's primary reason for opposing government is his belief that it hinders the freedom of tech titans like him to do what they will. He asserts that when technology is unregulated, "it's not subject to democratic control, and not subject to the majority, which I think is often hostile to change". This perspective aims for tech CEOs to be in charge of steering the world, without having to consult with anyone who doesn't look and think like them. He views "democratic capitalism" as an "oxymoron".
Thiel's influence is extensive; he mentored Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, founded Palantir, handed out "Thiel Fellows" checks, and funded the political entries of Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, as well as Vice President JD Vance.
I urge you to reject and actively oppose any policies or initiatives that seek to undermine democratic institutions, processes, or the fundamental right to vote. instead, prioritize democratic control and public oversight over technological development and corporate power, ensuring technology serves the public good. Defend and strengthen government agencies, regulations, and public aid programs against efforts to dismantle them, as detailed in Project 2025. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all sectors, countering philosophies that seek to erase or diminish it. Ensure that power remains with the majority and is not solely concentrated in the interests of a select few tech billionaires.
Our democracy depends on a government "of the people, by the people, for the people," not a world controlled by an unelected technocratic elite who believe the "broader education of the body politic has become a fool's errand". Uphold the democratic values that are the bedrock of our nation.
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