Loss of Trust in Government

The Story

The Fracturing of the Bond with Our Elected Representatives

In a time when trust in government has eroded significantly, a pressing question looms: how can we mend the fractured bond between the public and our elected representatives? This critical issue takes center stage in a recent interview with Rishi Kumar, a 2024 candidate vying to represent California’s 16th District in Silicon Valley in the House of Representatives.

The conversation highlights the alarming decline in public trust in the federal government, which has plummeted from 75% in 1960 to a mere 20% today.  This trend is concerning irrespective of the political administrations during the past 60 years.

• 00:00 Intro to the Loss of Trust in Government
• 01:10 The Role of Partisan Politics

Rishi Kumar attributes this decline to entrenched partisan politics that often take precedence over the interests of the American people. He underscores the urgent need for transparency, emphasizing the role of voters in holding politicians accountable for their actions.

• 02:09 The Lack of Transparency
• 04:28 Can We Reduce the Polarization?
• 05:44 The Breakdown in Social Groups

The dialogue delves into the impact of media-driven polarization affecting trust and the need for greater transparency to bridge this growing divide. Rishi articulates the detrimental role played by media, especially social media, in amplifying partisan narratives.

• 06:38 The Extremes of Political Party Allegiance
• 07:16 Amplifying the Partisan Story
• 08:09 Full Disclosure of Rishi’s Values and Policies
• 10:58 The Perspective of the Democratic Party

He suggests that algorithms be recalibrated to promote authentic and unbiased information.

• 12:12 The Regulation of AI in Washington, DC
• 14:02 Congressional Opinions about AI
• 14:55 Follow-up contact information for Rishi Kumar

This interview offers a refreshing perspective on the importance of trust, transparency, and accountability in American politics, highlighting the potential for change through active civic engagement and responsible leadership.