This is an interesting point I never thought of before. Now I wonder if the tech giants would have faired better politically if they weren't all co-located in one of the most politically polarizing areas of the country.
Honestly? They should be spread out. There is no reason for FAANGS to be located in mega campuses in the Bay Area. Let people who eg graduate from Midwestern colleges have the option of working in the Midwest (or returning there), pay them equally well. This would create so much economic activity in areas that really need it instead of simply enriching the landlords in the Bay.
It is a part of the reason why all the big government contractors are spread out all over the place. Even around a single metro area they'll have different offices in different congressional districts.
If you are on the winning end of that bloat life is pure happiness and joy. But if you are on the losing end (ie. not employed/a beneficiary of these firms) then you are paying dearly for the joy that others have.
I would think a lot of people benefit from the motivation for companies to geographically diversify. A lot of the bad things about the Bay Area boil down to people willing to put up with a whole lot because of a group delusion that a certain kind of thing can only happen there.
>I would think a lot of people benefit from the motivation for companies to geographically diversify.
Yes like I said there is the "in group". Is that "a lot" of people, I wouldn't say so. Namely the people who are employed or benefit financially from these orgs. If you are paying for the bloat via the government which is the customer of these defense orgs, it is effectively a tax on everyone else.
It’s not a delusion. While it’s true that you can start a business anywhere, being in the vicinity of people who have a ton of experience is very useful. There’s a reason why people move to LA to make it in entertainment or to NYC to make it in finance.
That said, for a non startup technology job, yes, no reason to be in the Bay. That work can be done from anywhere.