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I think our only realistic hope is actually various non-profit foundations and such. When you think about it, I can download (for zero cost), a high-quality op

I think our only realistic hope is actually various non-profit foundations and such. When you think about it, I can download (for zero cost), a high-quality operating system and attendant applications which would have cost hundreds of dollars 20 years ago, and would have cost a fortune 40 years ago. Ditto for educational materials, entertainment, etc. In that sense, we are quite wealthy in comparison to previous generations. If charitable organizations can leverage the automation of the future to help people, we might then see all humans across the planet lifted out of poverty. But yeah, I don't expect corporations to do this. And it seems unlikely that most governments will either.

sp527 8y ago
Interesting perspective. I share your pessimism about corporations and governments. But sadly I think government is the only institution with the necessary leverage (tax base, mandate, etc) to accomplish this. Non-profits are also fairly dubious in their motives, subject to corruption, and generally highly inefficient. I'm not sure they're going to be our saviors either.
- sp527 8y ago
  Hmm this comment is getting downvoted, so I'll just reference the Red Cross fiasco as one good example of what I mean: https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/482020436/senators-report-finds-fundamental-concerns-about-red-cross-finances https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/482020436/senators-report-fin.... If you haven't worked in the NGO space, you really don't understand just how bad it is.
icantdrive55 8y ago
1. And 501c3's will take care of the rest? Nonprofits are not a magical entities. I have found most very self-serving. Self-serving the founders whims, and "pockets". Hell even the great Melinda & Bill Gates Foundation give so little back to the womb (America) that cultured/encouraged his money making career. It's almost like the wealthy hate their family? We saw how Bush's Thousand Points of Light went. Humans are selfish. And the lack of spirituality is just making them more so. 2. At this point, I'm just seeing so many jobs being lost to people who don't expect much (yes--there are people who don't think much about putting six people in a 10 x 12 room), and jobs lost to technology. 3. I only see two ways out, and most of you won't like it. A. Tax the wealthy more. During and after WW2 we were taxing Them at 90%, and they didn't complain. It takes the fear of death to lessen the drip on their wad? B. Tie all Fees/fines to income. We're all in this mess together. I don't see a rosy future. I just see more homeless. The wealthy realized they don't need their family (America). They have the world to sell, and exploit to. I got off track, but don't see nonprofits curing our problems.

sp527 8y ago

Interesting perspective. I share your pessimism about corporations and governments. But sadly I think government is the only institution with the necessary leverage (tax base, mandate, etc) to accomplish this. Non-profits are also fairly dubious in their motives, subject to corruption, and generally highly inefficient. I'm not sure they're going to be our saviors either.

sp527 8y ago
Hmm this comment is getting downvoted, so I'll just reference the Red Cross fiasco as one good example of what I mean: https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/482020436/senators-report-finds-fundamental-concerns-about-red-cross-finances https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/482020436/senators-report-fin.... If you haven't worked in the NGO space, you really don't understand just how bad it is.

icantdrive55 8y ago

1. And 501c3's will take care of the rest? Nonprofits are not a magical entities. I have found most very self-serving. Self-serving the founders whims, and "pockets". Hell even the great Melinda & Bill Gates Foundation give so little back to the womb (America) that cultured/encouraged his money making career. It's almost like the wealthy hate their family? We saw how Bush's Thousand Points of Light went. Humans are selfish. And the lack of spirituality is just making them more so. 2. At this point, I'm just seeing so many jobs being lost to people who don't expect much (yes--there are people who don't think much about putting six people in a 10 x 12 room), and jobs lost to technology. 3. I only see two ways out, and most of you won't like it. A. Tax the wealthy more. During and after WW2 we were taxing Them at 90%, and they didn't complain. It takes the fear of death to lessen the drip on their wad? B. Tie all Fees/fines to income. We're all in this mess together. I don't see a rosy future. I just see more homeless. The wealthy realized they don't need their family (America). They have the world to sell, and exploit to. I got off track, but don't see nonprofits curing our problems.