When Tech Bros Reinvent Government (And Miss the Point Entirely)
A conversation with strategist and civic tech expert, Dan Hon.
Government efficiency is often misunderstood, with dangerous consequences when technology leaders wield power without understanding civic infrastructure. Today’s conversation explores what resilience means in technology and governance, examining how Silicon Valley's "move fast and break things" approach threatens critical systems that serve vulnerable populations.
In this episode of Cross Tabs, I talk to Dan Hon about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and how tech executives' worldview collides with effective delivery of public services. We talk about how technology is inherently political, contrasting the "efficiency" valued by tech companies with government effectiveness, while considering how communities might respond to administrative breakdown in vital social programs.
At one point in our conversation, Dan talked about what’s giving some sense of hope in this moment of tumult:
The story that I would tell about the social services stuff is that SNAP is a thing where the people we elected as our representatives agreed with us that no one should starve. That's what it's for. This is a really rich country. We have enough to go around and no one should starve and we are happy all contributing to that pot. Then after that came, "Apart from some people. Not for some things and only if they're actually trying to do something else."
Kind of getting away from the base question of, "Do you think people should starve? Are you okay with that?" The thing that I'm encouraged by is the videos coming out of town halls held in the Midwest full of people who I recognize, like they're the people I would see, the boomers and older in my wife's small town church in Missouri.
They are pissed off and they are asking very simple questions of their representatives and they are not getting straight answers. So that's happening to them directly, and they're experiencing that, and that's perversely one of the things that I am prepared to accept as a great thing right now, because that's a group of people who historically have been really great at organizing to do things like get books out of schools.
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Resources
“Things That Caught My Attention” by Dan Hon
A thoughtful newsletter/blog by podcast guest Dan Hon where he explores the intersection of technology, government, and society through a critical lens, featuring the same insightful analysis of digital transformation, civic tech, and tech industry culture that he demonstrates throughout the conversation.
'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson
Both Dan and Farrah criticize how tech leaders have misused this dystopian novel as inspiration rather than warning, with Farrah noting "science fiction is not a roadmap."
'Jennifer Government' by Max Barry
Farrah describes this as a "weird comfort read" that depicts corporate-controlled society with privatized services that once seemed absurdist but increasingly resembles reality, particularly when discussing Florida's potential privatization.
'Lexicon' by Max Barry
Dan recommends this novel to Farrah as "amazing," suggesting it as a follow-up read for those who enjoyed Max Barry's work.
"The Nation's Data at Risk" by American Statistical Association
Farrah references this report when discussing how government data prohibitions actually serve important protective functions that technologists seeking "efficiency" might undermine.
"Imaginary Friends" by Jeffrey Goldberg, The New Yorker
This 2007 profile reveals how Senator Schumer created fictional middle-class constituents called "the Baileys" (which was originally "the O'Reillys" but was changed for being "too ethnic") to mentally consult when making policy decisions.
Blue Ant Series by William Gibson https://www.goodreads.com/series/50543-blue-ant
Farrah & Dan discuss these novels in relation to tracking technology, analytics, and the character Hubertus Bigend as potentially representing tech billionaires and their cultural influence.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Elon Musk's government initiative that the hosts argue is less about genuine efficiency and more about dismantling government services while redirecting funds to wealthy interests.
Musk Watch by Judd Legum
A specialized publication by journalist Caleb Ecarma and edited by Judd Legum (founder of Popular Information) that provides accountability journalism focused on Elon Musk's activities, reflecting the growing need for dedicated coverage of influential tech billionaires' impact on government and society.
An independent monitoring website that provides real-time updates on actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), allowing citizens to observe government restructuring efforts and policy changes as they happen rather than relying on periodic official announcements.
Our Guest
Dan Hon is a technologist and civic technology expert with extensive experience at the intersection of government and digital services, previously serving as the Editorial Director of Code for America. Hon has worked in both the public and private sectors, including at advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, where he developed innovative interactive experiences. He's known for his insightful commentary on digital government, government efficiency, and the ethical implications of technology in civic spaces. He currently writes the “Things That Caught My Attention” newsletter and is a respected voice on how technology impacts government services and citizen experiences. You can hire him to work on your big wooly problems through his company, Very Little Gravitas.
Your Host
Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business.
Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes.
Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.
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