Change is not only inevitable in the rapidly evolving world of today; it is a constant. Just consider the contrast between the state of our nation two decades ago and what it is now. We are continuously learning fresh ideas and integrating them into our daily lives.

The United States was established on the principles of adaptability, innovation, resilience and change. Our Constitution was crafted to be able to adjust to technological and ideological shifts. It is unchanging in that it represents a set of fundamental values, but it is constantly evolving as it applies those values to new ideas.

Consider the technological innovations that have profoundly changed our daily routines. The digital era has introduced unparalleled convenience since the dawn of this century, enabling us to purchase goods and services from the comfort of our homes, entertain ourselves constantly and work as productively from outside the office as we do in the office. However, it has also introduced new challenges, including the proliferation of social media, which has eroded the minds of our youth, and the development of new, sophisticated warfare capabilities that present a perpetual and evolving threat to our nation.

The emergence of artificial intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT, which have made AI’s capabilities publicly accessible and free to everyone with an internet connection, has propelled AI to the forefront of the world’s consciousness in the past year. The question of what a future with intelligent computing systems will look like has been spurred by the ability of these new tools to adapt to new situations the way humans do. Undoubtedly, AI is a concern our Founding Fathers did not anticipate. However, this is also the case for all forms of advanced technology currently in use, such as computers and other sophisticated systems.

For example, thermal imaging devices are capable of reading heat signatures through walls. The Supreme Court was able to effortlessly interpret our Constitution in the presence of a technology our Founding Fathers were unable to comprehend. The court determined that our fundamental constitutional principle of prohibiting searches without warrants was applicable to the technology.

When thinking of these technological advancements, we are at a juncture where the traditional methods of doing things are no longer adequate. We must retain the principles that have made our nation great but also take a bold step into the future, armed with the ingenuity that has always characterized the American spirit.

Our educational system is one such area particularly ripe for transformation. Schools throughout the country are failing to adequately instruct children on even the most fundamental concepts. However, with the advent of new technologies such as AI, virtual classrooms and online learning platforms, children now can learn at their own pace and in the manner most conducive to their learning, in environments that are most familiar to them. By utilizing technology, it is possible to democratize education to the extent that even the most underfunded school systems can compete with those in the wealthiest neighborhoods in terms of their educational capabilities. This has the potential to result in a significantly more educated population with a more diverse array of leaders.

The necessity of strong, principled leadership is at the core of this transformation. It is imperative that our elected officials transcend the partisan bickering that has characterized our nation for the past decade and instead concentrate on the common good and the future of our nation. They must establish policies that promote innovation and safeguard the general public from technology-related activities that violate their rights. It is a precarious balance, but it can be attained by uniting around a common vision of a more promising future.

Change should be welcomed rather than feared. It is the lifeblood of our nation and the engine of progress. We must bear in mind that our capacity to adapt and thrive is the foundation of our strength as we navigate the intricacies of the 21st century. We honor the legacy of those who preceded us and establish a path for future generations by accepting change. The American spirit is characterized by resilience, and it is this spirit that will serve as our guide as we confront the obstacles and successes that await us.

Armstrong Williams is manager/sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year.

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