[bob13579]

It's okay to give them half a billion dollars in loans because others got billions? Why not be outraged at everyone involved? The industry is colossally inefficient.

[enraged_camel]

Inefficient when it comes to innovating, yes. In any industry dominated by powerful incumbents and where the startup capital costs are extremely high, you do need outside intervention (I.e. a subsidy in the form of a loan) to help newcomers.

[bob13579]

So any startup that competes in the pharmaceutical sector or biotechnology industry should be given hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans?

[enraged_camel]

Not any startup. Only those who qualify for the stict conditions for the loan. Like Tesla did.

[ss6754]

I am not outraged at anyone, except previous commenter. But to your point, yes it is okay to give them half a billion. I don't see why government should not have supported them. And as time has shown it was a right decision, since they have paid off that loan, which I think is incredible for an only electric cars company.

[bob13579]

"But to your point, yes it is okay to give them half a billion. I don't see why government should not have supported them."

I find it quite outrageous that we're enriching well-connected billionaires and millionaires, but what do I know?

"And as time has shown it was a right"

Not really. Taxpayers are still on the hook for $7,500 for each Tesla sold.