September 20, 2026
Dear editor;
An interesting meeting was held September 14 at Santori Library in Aurora. A write-up covering the meeting was in the September 17 Beacon-News about the meeting on data centers. It interested me to observe all the open-ended and uncertain, not to mention confusing, issues surrounding data centers.
I was always against them one-hundred percent since they only benefit hyperscalers’ AI development. As a side-effect, municipalities get involved if they are following constituents’ preference for increased revenues promised by more construction, more jobs, more economy.
I asked my question, and the answer was clear: It is not a big problem with individuals using computers excessively; the problem is all the large language model training using computer time to develop the best, or the most competitive “Ask AI” type function on the browser.
If I just did not use the computers at the libraries, it would make no difference and I am not helping save the planet the drain on resources such as water, mineral elements and electricity.
However, I feel helpless, and to use the idea from Mr. Aguilar’s Letter in September 17’s The Voice, and outraged that elite computer capitalists can try to force people like me to buy a smartphone, if not a full-size computer at home. Unless the entire country were to object to AT&T nudging people and making it hard to buy a flip phone to replace the landlines being discontinued, nothing will happen.
Let me explain: With the flip cell I bought because my landline failed in December, I have to delete unwanted texts. If I do not answer my ringing phone (only because I am not home, do not hear it, or cannot pick it up right then), my carrier displays a list of “missed calls.” I call these numbers because I receive few calls. However, people tell me some carriers automatically also send me a text, which I have to go to lengths and confusion to delete. I can’t read the texts, anyway, and am outraged the industry can’t just allow cell phones to ring as long as the parties wish. In the old days before machines, one would let it ring 10 times. Then try again later.
Everyone is dismayed or upset about something or other these days. Rising health care costs, tollway increases, rising utilities, food, etc.. All we can do is be sympathetic and listen to the other side.
There is a book entitled, “Outraged,” by Kurt Gray. It explains why people of good will can’t see the other side of the issue. Another book I recommend is Joe Manchin II’s “Dead Center.” I think like he explains, better to be independent. I avoid being beholden, trapped, or vulnerable in any situation, including the economic problems that can be caused by reliance on computers and high tech. Just because something is “efficient,” does not mean it is good. For example, I think these LED lights have made a lot of light pollution. Just saying I do not like them.
Mary Goetsch, Aurora