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, host Farrah Bostic and Dan Hon discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk and how tech executives' worldview impacts public services. They examine 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.
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Resources
“Things That Caught My Attention” by Dan Hon
‘Snow Crash’ by Neal Stephenson
‘Lexicon’ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16158596-lexicon by Max Barry
‘Jennifer Government’ by Max Barry
"The Nation's Data at Risk" by the American Statistical Association
“Imaginary Friends” by Jeffrey Goldberg, The New Yorker
Blue Ant Series by William Gibson series
Musk Watch Judd Legum
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
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. His strategic consultancy is
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