[owenjones]

Yes it is! (to me)

Why the buses are the symbols and not the limousines or private planes that executives take to work; and are probably also provided by their respective companies.

It's so strange to me that in this situation the "haves" are such (relative to the aforementioned executives) modestly compensated tech workers.

[protomyth]

"not the limousines or private planes that executives take to work"

Those aren't trappings of the people displacing the people in the neighborhood. Look at the actual income stats in the US and you will see the "modestly compensated tech workers" are actually in the 90+% of income earners. $120,000 is 97%, $150,000 is 98%. These are the "haves".

[owenjones]

Right, your average tech worker in their bus is what you will see everyday, while the executive is hidden from view.

And yes I know that a six-figure income probably places you in the 90%.

However these people aren't the decision makers and can't affect change the way Google's or Apple's executives can. Until the protesters start protesting rational targets it's hard for me to commiserate or take this seriously. (clarification: I absolutely commiserate with people "gentrified" out of their neighborhoods, I just think the protesting has been directed at the wrong things)

So many of the articles include a quote from a protester that the "techies" don't interact or integrate with their neighborhoods. But I've also read many quotes from techies stating that they are unhappy with the situation too, no one wants to displace people from their homes or neighborhoods and high real estate prices hurt everyone.

If I were involved in one of these protest groups I would take the first step, get the employees involved too, and make it about something bigger than these red-herring buses!

[protomyth]

"If I were involved in one of these protest groups I would take the first step, get the employees involved too, and make it about something bigger than these red-herring buses!"

Why? The tactic they are using has worked countless times. It is a tried an true game plan. Keep it simple and demonize all of them. The workers are better defined as part of the problem and, yes, 6 figures means you are the "haves". Those workers are renting in the area and seen as kicking out the normal folks.

The reporter writing the articles will be sympathetic as his/her career has probably felt the same pressure from tech. It might be a nice analogy for one of them to use (tech: residents -> force out of homes, reporters -> force out of careers).