[amtc80]

> Almost everyone except politicians is critical of big corporations, yet they're ever growing like a tumor, leaving small mom-and-pop businesses by the wayside.

Unfortunately that isn't really true. Many might think the idea of being local is reasonable, but they don't really support it.

It's the same with startups. Many like they idea but ask them how to get affordable housing, healthcare and transportation so you can actually make ramen profitability, burn rate and opportunity cost work and they will at best ramble about zoning, taxes and bureaucracy.

Most of the time it isn't someone else doing it. Not the politicians, not the corporations, but the local population themselves. They are the ones lowering taxes, defunding colleges, buying cars, going to big box stores and supporting their local mini real estate tycoons. Until everyone who can leave for a bigger place. Which while not local have enough verity that you can carve out your own space.

People are even going to Thailand, Argentina, Portugal, China and other places to get a different lifestyle. They would go just about anywhere there was actual support for the local community. And sure, it isn't like other bigger developments doesn't affect the situation, but it is 'on the ground' that the changes are happening.

[Schiendelman]

Why are you asking startups to change your politics? Go organize if you want to fix zoning. Business shouldn't be asked to do that, or you go down a path you will not be happy with.

[amtc80]

I'm not asking startups to change politics. The opposite. It is often literally like I said. You ask someone do you support startups? Yes. Do you support innovation? Yes. Do you support education? Yes.

So where in your region can I live to have runway to start a business? Where can I find a space to do some manufacturing? How can I attend the local college? Well, actually... *excuses*.

Most just blatantly doesn't support their local community. They complain that the business are closing then defund and sell everything local, lower taxes and spend the money elsewhere.

I wish it was more complex than that, but in most cases it isn't. In many cases the local car dealership and contractors are doing well. Because that is what they actually prioritize and spend money on in those communities.

[jmuguy]

Bingo, everyone wants to pass the buck and blame some nefarious evil corp while they drive ever further out into the burbs, constantly vote to lower taxes and complain loudly whenever their communities try to do anything that might benefit everyone at the expense of the sight lines of a half dozen property owners. OP should ask a librarian who's the bigger threat, Walmart or their neighbors.