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> What's your problem? My problem is that Uber has a bunch of venture capital that it can use to entice and entrap vulnerable populations into an exploitative

> What's your problem? My problem is that Uber has a bunch of venture capital that it can use to entice and entrap vulnerable populations into an exploitative relationship. It's only "pure capitalism" if one has a shockingly naive view of economics that ignores all of the preconditions that are required for a free market. For example, information symmetry, which is laughably not true given that Uber controls the dispatching with algorithms that are opaque to drivers. As time approaches infinity, yes, I believe the market will sort out many issues with Uber. In the meantime, I think they have the potential to grind up and spit out many people.

ryanmarsh 9y ago
"Capitalism" and "free markets" are not the same thing, in fact they are in contention with each other. The natural end of pure capitalism is monopoly and exploitation of labor. I think you might have an idealistic view of what these words mean. Currently, both are on display in all their glory. You think Uber drivers don't know what the other apps pay?
notliketherest 9y ago
"it can use to entice and entrap vulnerable populations into an exploitative relationship" And here's the root of the matter - the belief that individuals shouldn't be expected to stand on their own two feet, to critically think, to judge with reason, and be held accountable for their actions. Indeed, the belief that these people are UNABLE to take care of themselves, and to use reason to make personal, individual decisions. Well, I believe that freedom means the ability to voluntarily engage in transactions, with the full weight of responsibility on the individual not to be an idiot. I voted Republican - let me guess what party you voted for.
- mistercow 9y ago
  You had the start of a decent point, and then you ruined it by getting insultingly political.
- rhcom2 9y ago
  You can't avoid being exploited by just "not being an idiot". There is a huge power and information imbalance between an individual and a company that has been used to exploit labor so much labor unions had to form to stop it. There's no reason to add partisan flamebait either.
- eropple 9y ago
  Please explain to me how "voluntarily engaging in transactions" works when Mr. Hobson is dealing the cards.
vixen99 9y ago
Patronizing! Don't we produce adults who can make their own rational choices anymore? On second thoughts, perhaps not and I'm wrong. [ In 2010, a UK government study concluded that 1 in 5 people between the ages of 16 and 19 (some of the voters of today), were functionally illiterate and innumerate. This in one of the richest countries in the world. I doubt the figures look any better now ]
- alex_hitchins 9y ago
  What choices do these people really have though?

ryanmarsh 9y ago

"Capitalism" and "free markets" are not the same thing, in fact they are in contention with each other. The natural end of pure capitalism is monopoly and exploitation of labor. I think you might have an idealistic view of what these words mean. Currently, both are on display in all their glory. You think Uber drivers don't know what the other apps pay?

notliketherest 9y ago

"it can use to entice and entrap vulnerable populations into an exploitative relationship" And here's the root of the matter - the belief that individuals shouldn't be expected to stand on their own two feet, to critically think, to judge with reason, and be held accountable for their actions. Indeed, the belief that these people are UNABLE to take care of themselves, and to use reason to make personal, individual decisions. Well, I believe that freedom means the ability to voluntarily engage in transactions, with the full weight of responsibility on the individual not to be an idiot. I voted Republican - let me guess what party you voted for.

mistercow 9y ago
You had the start of a decent point, and then you ruined it by getting insultingly political.
rhcom2 9y ago
You can't avoid being exploited by just "not being an idiot". There is a huge power and information imbalance between an individual and a company that has been used to exploit labor so much labor unions had to form to stop it. There's no reason to add partisan flamebait either.
eropple 9y ago
Please explain to me how "voluntarily engaging in transactions" works when Mr. Hobson is dealing the cards.

vixen99 9y ago

Patronizing! Don't we produce adults who can make their own rational choices anymore? On second thoughts, perhaps not and I'm wrong. [ In 2010, a UK government study concluded that 1 in 5 people between the ages of 16 and 19 (some of the voters of today), were functionally illiterate and innumerate. This in one of the richest countries in the world. I doubt the figures look any better now ]

alex_hitchins 9y ago
What choices do these people really have though?