The space programs of Elon Musk, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos are decried in some quarters as prime example of "the evils of capitalism," and yet their principals are deeply engaged with the goods and/or services their respective companies sell and appear to have an emotional as well as a financial stake in outcome. Conversely, the scads of companies run by Boards and Managers who care only about maximizing shareholder returns and are indifferent to the precise thing the outfit makes or provides so long as the money's rolling in, get nary a frown. They make no headlines, attract no criticism, and could just as easily be strip-mining away mountaintops or building landmines as making manatee food or purifying water.
It's really all about whatever's shiny at the moment; one then views it through whatever lens suits the desired end result. I've got to remember to not do so myself.
Bezos, Branson, Musk, and Allen are all investing in the future. They are spending money on facilities, materials, and lots and lots of very skilled labor to build their dreams.
ReplyDeleteThe only 'evil' in play is none of the money is getting filtered thru the sticky hands of 'social services organizations' before the bread and circuses are bestowed upon the masses.
They create jobs for Engineers, not social workers.