Michael Sauers
February 8, 2026
If you have given up on the concept of being an individual with independent, critical thinking capabilities then AI and its attendant data centers are right for you. AI is one of those mysteries of technology that is being foisted on civilization (us). I know that I never asked for it along with scores of other intrusive schemes.
AI/Data Centers are what government/corporations want and need to eliminate most problems associated with human ingenuity, dignity, work, intuition, perspective and self-determination. Computers, robots and AI are much more profitable. AI/Data Centers are the ultimate totalitarian’s paradise. Economically, they will enrich a small group of well positioned corporations and people. You know, enough is never enough, people.
Politicians, like Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro, fall all over themselves bringing AI/Data Centers into the economic equation. We are in a desperate international competition that we dare not lose, they say. Beware the Chinese and Russians! Shapiro claims that Pennsylvania is well positioned to be a leader in the AI/Data Center explosion.
Politicians are willing to cut into the autonomy of local government’s decision making. They propose streamlining permit timelines and guidelines. The result is that local communities are forced into reactive versus proactive behaviors. They want to reduce a communities ability to question, research, debate, vote on, and yes, perhaps, reject a AI/Data Center proposal.
AI/Data Centers will have a direct impact on the number of workers necessary. Some new jobs will be created but many more will be eliminated. As we live in a consumption driven economy, less workers creates a problem. People need income in order to consume. Will they bring on the Andrew Yang “guaranteed income” plan? Maybe?
AI/Data Centers reportedly require enormous amounts of energy. This brings everyday electrical rates, climate change and power distribution to the fore. Can you guess who is going to pay for this? Can you imagine the gobs of corporate welfare that will emerge? Which sources of energy will be prioritized? All good questions with very problematic answers.
AI/Data Centers reportedly require enormous amounts of water. Where will the water be drawn from? How will it affect wells, aquifers, creeks, rivers, etc.? Will the produced water be polluted? More good questions with very problematic answers.
AI/Data Centers reportedly produce large quantities if e-waste. They are noisy. They impact real estate values. They impact wildlife habitat and wildlife itself.
Proponents could care less about the above. Their only interest is profit. They want as much profit as possible regardless of the negative impacts.
After all, this is America. Corporate welfare and crony capitalism rule the day.