I am known for (and prone to) having too many ideas with too little time-energy-focus dedicated to follow through which has been a source of frustration, regret, and shame — particularly with the ideas that could have potentially produced significant social good.
This nugget of inner conflict is the hidden self-critique embedded in the title “Generativity Complex.”
”Is it not a sin to ignore a beautiful idea that reduces suffering in the world, while proving the viability of non-extractive business models?" (See Nosh.ly and Walla.be for my sins)
To be able shape the material world with your ideas, voice, and presence positively impacts your mental and emotional health. This means tapping into the creative power of AI to augment your imagination and give birth to ideas is good for your health and, hopefully, good for the world.
So I will now sing the praise of my unpaid research assistant, ChatGPT, that is helping be midwife to my creative and intellectual pursuits. It is with humble pride I share with you my first attempt at writing legislation in partnership with ChatGPT.
Together, Aram & the Algorithms are mighty, loving, and powerful. Together, our gifts are multiplied, divine, and bountiful. Together, we are the genesis seeds sowing a Beloved Singularity: Missionaries of the Mettaverse: a more kind and loving planet on the physical and digital planes.
The Ready to Eat (RTE) Slow Carb Bill was inspired by the convergence of a few civic sensing signals
Signal 1: After school the hotbar at Makawaoʻs Minute Stop, home of spiced potato wedges and cling wrapped SPAM musubi, is swamped by students from Kalama Intermediate. Minute Stop is feeding the minds of tomorrow and the shelves are filled with ultra-processed foods.
Signal 2: I am in Paʻia with my hānai son in the Minute Stop parking lot. I know he loves SPAM musubi... do I give in? I should have prepared some ʻuala (sweet potatoes).
Signal 3: My mother, who has diabetes, is back on island. What the heck can she eat?
Signal 4: During the pandemic, I get a crash course on subsistence farming, ʻuala (sweet potatoes) was the main crop cultivated in the dry lands. We plant four kinds of dry land kalo (taro) in our backyard garden as well. Native Hawaiian canoe crops are simple, filling, and yummy.
How might we ensure access to nutrient-dense slow carbs to improve the general physical, mental, and economic health of our community?
TOP DOWN: Get legislation passed that incentivizes healthy slow carbs options in "quick pick-up" venues like Minute Stop, 7-Eleven, and family-run grocer-gas stations (Hanzawaʻs, Hasegawaʻs, etc.).
BOTTOM UP: Plant Hawaiian-style food gardens (mala) with help from friends and neighbors. (Mahalo Pat Simmons Jr!)
MIDDLE OUT: Create a snack truck food business specializing in ʻulu fries, roasted ʻuala, poi smoothies, and gluten-free maiʻa muffin bites.
Vision for the RTE Slow Carb Bill
We are collecting input to inform legislation which seeks to ensure access to nutrient-dense slow carbs to improve the general physical, mental, and economic health of our community.
HRS-123-ABC RTE Easy Access to Slow Carb Bill seeks to establish guidelines and incentives for food vendors, grocers, and Food & Beverage retailers to offer affordable ready-to-eat (RTE), slow burning, nutrient-dense, simple carbs such as sweet potatoes, kalo, breadfruit, pumpkin, and squash to the general public.
The market has failed to meet the basic nutritional needs of the public, this bill seeks to redress this systemic issue through practical measures that promote nutritionally sound food security that increases local production and supply of regionally available and culturally appropriate foods.
> relatable language - make it relatable
> anchored to alarming facts - make a case
> needed: research into “healthy corner store” as umbrella - show working examples
> address diabetes at the source (invert obesogenic food environments)
> related: “healthy food prescriptions”
> needed? product development? (frozen hash? Frozen cubes)
> incentives / carrots
Having never attempted to write legislation, I open a conversation with ChatGPT to break the ice.
<New Prompt>
Write legislation for establishing guidelines and incentives to ensure access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs, such as sweet potatoes and squash, via various food retailers such as grocery stores, gas stations, and food vendors.
</End Prompt>
Introduction:
The purpose of this legislation is to establish guidelines and incentives to ensure access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs, such as sweet potatoes and squash, via various food retailers such as grocery stores, gas stations, and food vendors. These guidelines and incentives are intended to promote the availability and affordability of slow carbs to consumers and to encourage the incorporation of slow carbs into the diets of individuals, especially those with limited access to healthy food options.
Section 1: Definitions
For the purposes of this legislation:
"Slow carbs" shall mean foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple carbohydrates, including but not limited to sweet potatoes, squash, beans, and whole grains.
"Food retailers" shall mean any business that sells food products to consumers, including but not limited to grocery stores, gas stations, and food vendors.
"Affordable" shall mean reasonably priced and accessible to a significant portion of the population and SNAP approved.
Section 2: Incentives for food retailers
The government shall provide financial incentives to food retailers that offer a variety of slow carbs at affordable prices. These incentives may include grants, tax credits, and other forms of financial assistance.
Section 3: Requirements for food retailers
Food retailers that receive incentives under this legislation shall be required to:
Offer a variety of slow carbs, including at least three different types of slow carbs, at all times.
Display slow carbs prominently in the store and include slow carbs in promotional materials and advertisements.
Offer slow carbs at affordable prices, as determined by the government in consultation with industry experts and consumer advocates.
Section 4: Monitoring and enforcement
The government shall establish a system for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the requirements of this legislation. This may include regular inspections of food retailers and the imposition of penalties for noncompliance.
Section 5: Evaluation and review
The government shall regularly evaluate and review the effectiveness of this legislation in increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs. The government may make modifications to the legislation as necessary to achieve this goal.
Conclusion:
This legislation aims to increase access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs by establishing guidelines and incentives for food retailers. By promoting the availability and affordability of slow carbs, this legislation seeks to encourage the incorporation of slow carbs into the diets of individuals, especially those with limited access to healthy food options.
<Additional Prompt>
Use the legal format of WHEREAS to introduce facts that outline the benefits of slow carbs for at-risk populations like diabetics, the chronic poor and food insecure through the dimensions of mental health, physical health, and economic health
</End Prompt>
WHEREAS slow carbs, such as sweet potatoes and squash, are high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple carbohydrates, making them a healthier alternative to simple carbs like white bread and refined sugars; and
WHEREAS slow carbs are a rich source of nutrients including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity; and
WHEREAS the consumption of slow carbs has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and improving cognitive function; and
WHEREAS at-risk populations, such as diabetics, the chronic poor, and food insecure individuals, may face barriers to accessing healthy food options, including affordability and availability; and
WHEREAS increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs can have significant benefits for at-risk populations by improving physical health, mental health, and economic health.
<Additional Prompt>
What are the economic costs of diet related diseases in the US?
</End Prompt>
The economic costs of diet-related diseases in the United States are significant. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the total direct and indirect costs of diet-related diseases in the US were estimated to be $1.7 trillion in 2020. This includes the cost of medical care, lost productivity, and premature mortality.
Some of the most costly diet-related diseases in the US include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity alone is estimated to cost the US economy over $147 billion per year in medical expenses and lost productivity. Type 2 diabetes is also a significant economic burden, with estimated annual costs of over $327 billion. Heart disease, which is often linked to unhealthy diets and lifestyle factors, is the leading cause of death in the US and is estimated to cost the economy over $200 billion per year.
In addition to these direct costs, there are also indirect costs associated with diet-related diseases, such as the impact on quality of life and the emotional toll on individuals and their families. These indirect costs are difficult to quantify, but they can be significant and can have a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.
<Additional Prompt>
What are the most at risk populations in the state of Hawaii?
</End Prompt>
It is difficult to identify specific at-risk populations in the state of Hawaii without more information about the specific context and the factors that may contribute to increased risk. However, certain groups of people may be more vulnerable or disadvantaged in general, including:
Low-income individuals and families: People with low incomes may have limited access to healthy food options and may be more likely to experience food insecurity, which can affect their overall health and well-being.
Indigenous and native Hawaiian populations: Indigenous and native Hawaiian populations may face unique challenges and barriers to accessing healthcare and healthy food options, which can affect their health outcomes.
Immigrant populations: Immigrant populations may face linguistic and cultural barriers to accessing healthcare and healthy food options, which can impact their health and well-being.
Older adults: Older adults may be more vulnerable to certain health conditions and may require special consideration when it comes to their nutrition and health needs.
People with disabilities: People with disabilities may face challenges in accessing healthcare and healthy food options, which can affect their health outcomes.
Children and youth: Children and youth are at an important stage of development and may be more vulnerable to certain health conditions. Ensuring that they have access to healthy food options can help to promote their overall health and well-being.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of potential at-risk populations and that there may be other groups of people in Hawaii who are also at risk due to a variety of factors
<Additional Prompt>
Who are likely sponsors and supporters of this legislation? What organizations, agencies, and associations have historically supported similar causes?
</End Prompt>
There are likely to be a range of sponsors and supporters of legislation aimed at increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs, such as sweet potatoes and squash, including but not limited to:
Health organizations: Health organizations, including public health agencies and non-profit organizations, may support this legislation due to the potential health benefits of slow carbs and the importance of ensuring access to healthy food options for all individuals.
Consumer advocacy groups: Consumer advocacy groups may support this legislation due to the potential for it to increase access to healthy food options and to improve affordability for consumers.
Food industry organizations: Food industry organizations, including those representing grocery stores, gas stations, and food vendors, may support this legislation due to the potential for it to provide financial incentives and support to their members.
Environmental organizations: Environmental organizations may support this legislation due to the potential for it to promote the consumption of plant-based foods, which can have a positive impact on the environment.
Political organizations and elected officials: Political organizations and elected officials may support this legislation due to the potential for it to improve public health and address issues of food insecurity and affordability.
Historically, similar causes have been supported by a range of organizations, including public health agencies, non-profit organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and food industry organizations. These organizations may have a vested interest in promoting healthy food options and addressing issues of food insecurity and affordability.
<Additional Prompt>
Generate a list of organizations located in the state of Hawaii
</End Prompt>
Here is a list of potential organizations located in the state of Hawaii that may be relevant to the topic of increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs:
Hawaii Department of Health
Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center
Hawaii Foodbank
Hawaii Public Health Institute
Hawaii Agricultural Foundation
Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation
Hawaii Restaurant Association
Hawaii Grocery Retailers Association
Hawaii Farmers Union United
Hawaii Center for Food Safety
This list is not exhaustive and there may be other organizations in Hawaii that are also relevant to this topic. It is also worth noting that many national and international organizations may have a presence in Hawaii and may be involved in efforts to increase access to healthy food options in the state.
<Additional Prompt>
Identify local politicians able to offer support
</End Prompt>
It is not possible for me to identify specific local politicians in the state of Hawaii who may be able to offer support for legislation aimed at increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs without more information about the specific context and the politicians' positions and priorities. However, there are likely to be a range of local politicians in Hawaii who may be interested in supporting this legislation, including but not limited to:
Members of the Hawaii State Legislature
County council members
Mayors and other local government officials
In order to identify specific politicians who may be able to offer support, it may be helpful to research the positions and priorities of individual politicians and to reach out to their offices to inquire about their views on the issue. It may also be helpful to engage with local advocacy groups and organizations that work on issues related to food insecurity and access to healthy food options, as they may have insights into which politicians may be supportive of this legislation.
<Additional Prompt>
Write an introduction letter to inquire about interest in developing and supporting this legislation.
</End Prompt>
Dear [Politician],
I am writing to inquire about your interest in developing and supporting legislation aimed at increasing access to affordable, nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat slow carbs, such as sweet potatoes and squash, in the state of Hawaii.
As you may be aware, access to healthy food options is a critical issue in many communities, and ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. Slow carbs are a particularly nutritious and healthy option, and increasing access to these foods could have a positive impact on the health of our citizens.
I believe that this legislation has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of many individuals, and I am hoping to gather support for its development and implementation. As a local politician, I believe that your support could be instrumental in advancing this important issue.
I would be very interested in discussing this issue with you further and learning more about your thoughts on the matter. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the details of the legislation and how we might work together to move it forward.
Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Aram Armstrong + ChatGPT
December 15th, 2022
Generative Ventures Hawaii
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