| > Why are certain things getting so much more expensive?
> Why do there seem to be more examples of rapidly-completed major projects in the past than the present? These two questions, IMHO, are inter-linked. Projects are slower because things are more expensive in general. I think there are some answers to be found as well in the populist uprisings we've seen in the US and in other parts of the world. Here are some random thoughts that are all-related to these questions: - We are worse off today than our parents were in the 60's and 70s - in terms of purchasing power and quality of life. See the trend of 20 and 30-somethings staying or moving in with their parents today. How easy is it for someone in this age group to buy a house in the USA versus back then? - Wage disparity has grown immensely: the rich get richer - the poor move sideways or get poorer. Capitalism, though massively positive for humanity, if unchecked leads to social unrest. - The US government was "richer" back then - or at least had more power to engage in bold new projects. See the American New Deal (WPA). NASA. Today, space exploration seems relegated to the whims of the new gilded-age billionaires (Musk, Branson, Bezos). - Current administration will continue this shift of power away from govt into the hands of elite. Its not the government's job to dole out food stamps - let communities or society decide how to help the poor. - Author cites rise of healthcare costs... See unfettered Capitalism comment. No govt checks on what the price of a drug is leads to silly games with insurance. Example: family member was once medivacced on helicopter for 20 minute ride at cost of $65k - but insurance only paid $5k and we ended up paying $1k of that. They're fine now - but why even propose a $65k price tag if you're going to be OK with a 90% price cut? Gaming imbalances between people who have power and those who do not - and also propensity to pay. Needs strong regulation to fix. - In a similar point made by Author: 2nd Avenue Subway line is most expensive cost per mile of any subway in the world to-date. Why? See good NYT article on answer. Labor Unions. Hiring 30 people for a task that only needs 10. Why? Bad allocation of resources since you can't hire anyone else. This is an attempt at thwarting unfettered capitalism. On the other hand you end up with cheap day laborers (slaves) like the poor migrants who built Dubai. There's gotta be a balance in between. Govt needs to step in. |