[ryzvonusef]

Look I am from a 3rd world country, and I have been observing online discourse on primarily US-based websites for decades, and the amount of kittens Americans have for their 1# richest member is amazing. I remember the days when Bill Gates was the Borg, then it was Bezos, now Musk.

If we were to plot a chart of misery caused in the average American's life, per million dollar of wealth, I doubt these three or other of their group would top the charts. They would be there definitely, but their wealth exaggerates their effect, imho.

I think the average American faces more misery resulting from the collective action of the thousands of non-famous multi-millionaires and low-billionaires.

These people have the wealth (usually inherited) and the capacity to cause a lot of misery while still flying below the public radar, and there are just so many of them in the US that it's impossible to collectively sum them up and point at.

They are from all walks of life, all race/gender/ethnicities, and yet their wealth allow them to a lot of things, either directly, or by donating to political action, indirectly, that would go unnoticed because we wouldn't even know where to look.

I am not saying that you shouldn't keep an eye out for Elon's wealth and spending, but to treat him as the spawn of satan is a bit much.

Today it's his turn, in some time, some other nincumpoop will be 1#, it's OK, look at BillGates, he was a weirdo but he turned out.... well mostly OK I guess.

We should use the pressure on the rich to bend them towards good causes, NOT to alienate them, all it does is give them a free leash to get into mischief. Keep the pressure on but keep them looped in.

[MangoCoffee]

politicians cause more harm to people than rich aholes telling you about their political views. it's a shame that we are even talking about it on HN.

you can admire the guy for what he accomplished. you don't need to worship him like he is a second coming of Jesus.

[runarberg]

I think you might be missing the conspiracy. Yes politicians are the ones causing the damage, yes they ultimately bear the responsibility. But you have to see how the interests of the rich are given a priority in any political system. Without the rich asserting their influence into politics, by persuading and demanding their interests in public policy, the politician is but a boring bureaucrat, neither making harm nor good. However with the rich conspiring with the politicians, the harm they do to the common people is ultimate.

I will not admire anyone who’s interests are looked after, compensated, subsidized, and payed for by our politicians. They are nothing but bastards, they deserve no praise for having been put in their place of privilege by circumstance and conspiracy.

[thejackgoode]

IMO in terms of achievement and impact Musk is an Einstein-caliber historical figure, and we have to treat what he says and does very carefully. That's why anyone who follows him must always remember that road to hell is paved with good intentions.