[chadAnon69]

we used to invest $3 into infrastructure and science for every $1 in entitlements spending. Now we spend $5 in entitlements for every $1 in infrastructure/science

And people wonder why the US is falling apart and technological advances have slowed down.

We're living hand to mouth instead of investing in the future. The sad thing is that many of our problems could be solved permanently via technology rather than government.

Instead of creating the automobile people are trying to make horses faster

[BurningFrog]

The US is wasting trillions fighting wars in other countries.

China is wasting trillions building infrastructure in other countries.

[rqs]

Wasting money on infrastructure is better than wasting on wars. The government of the U.S. need to learn better.

The problem with war is that no matter which side wins, both side will always in some way hate each other (Once war started, it will never end).

While even in the worse scenario, locals can still benefit from the infrastructure. Booming strategy is something Chinese people play very well.

[reaperducer]

And people wonder why the US is falling apart and technological advances have slowed down.

I don't think anyone wonders why it's happening. They just feel powerless to change anything.

[moron4hire]

Have technology advances slowed down? Or are we just not advancing in the big, exciting really of "blowing shit up"?

[TeMPOraL]

We are now advancing mostly in the ability to manipulate, exploit and make miserable almost everyone, via adtech.

[zipwitch]

That's an inevitable result of devoting the efforts of so many of our brightest to attracting eyeballs.

[AlwaysRock]

It feels like we slowed down in the important areas. Software? Web Apps? We're doing great. Anything space related? Eh. In theory we get to claim SpaceX so I guess that counts but most people couldnt tell you what NASA's been up to recently...

[atupis]

Yeah it is slown https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601199/tech-slowdown-thre... 50s was peak.

[mturmon]

There was that landing on Mars two weeks ago...

[tehduder9]

nice and vague

abolish government, libertarian paradise, ???, solve problems

[rukittenme]

I wouldn't say "vague". He cited the differential in dollar amounts and drew a conclusion from the data presented. That sounds specific to me. I think you may have overreacted to his point. You should have debated the merits and demerits of welfare spending versus R&D investment. Instead you accused him of something he never advocated for.