[Verse 1] They called a meeting to write the new rules Sent invitations to all the right schools But who showed up with the loudest voice? The very companies we regulate by choice Boeing writes the standards for aircraft design Defense contractors draw every line They say it's expertise, they know what's best But who's really passing this crucial test? [Chorus] When the foxes guard the henhouse door Writing rules they'll benefit from more Regulatory capture's taking hold New ideas get left out in the cold Compliance built for who's already in Innovation struggles to begin The system serves the established name While capability goes down in flames [Verse 2] The standards meeting costs a million to attend Only giants have resources to spend Small breakthrough companies can't buy a seat While incumbents make the process complete Risk assessment favors the known face Familiar failures get a warm embrace Superior technology gets shown the door Cause unfamiliar means uncertain war [Chorus] When the foxes guard the henhouse door Writing rules they'll benefit from more Regulatory capture's taking hold New ideas get left out in the cold Compliance built for who's already in Innovation struggles to begin The system serves the established name While capability goes down in flames [Bridge] Entry barriers rise so high Better solutions can't even try Protection for the status quo Makes the whole system weak and slow National security takes the hit When competition doesn't fit The framework built by those inside Leaves true progress to subside [Verse 3] The contract goes to the usual suspect Their track record we don't inspect Cause they helped write what good looks like While better options take a hike Years later when the system fails We wonder why our defense pales The answer's in who made the rules We let the regulated play us for fools [Chorus] When the foxes guard the henhouse door Writing rules they'll benefit from more Regulatory capture's taking hold New ideas get left out in the cold Compliance built for who's already in Innovation struggles to begin The system serves the established name While capability goes down in flames [Outro] Strategic blindness by design When regulators cross that line The price we pay for captured rules Is turning capable systems into fools
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