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A formula for collective inaction. This argument 'pay higher taxes, vote accordingly' is probably also what many CEO's are believing in, while saying "I still h

by rapnie 6y ago

A formula for collective inaction. This argument 'pay higher taxes, vote accordingly' is probably also what many CEO's are believing in, while saying "I still have my army of accountants and lobbyists to design my tax evasion schemes, in order to pay as little as possible. I do not think this is hypocritical, but a natural part of the game.". These accountants and lobbyists - all doing legal work - ensure sweeping government action will never occur. It is not about one-sidedly upending your life, and also not about waiting until society collectively does the right thing. We need to start acting, and every tiny little bit by every person counts. By doing that tiny bit - and maybe gradually a little more here and there - together with 1,000's of others doing so too, a pressure is created, culture changes and movement in the right direction ensues.

Wowfunhappy 6y ago
Lobbying is different. Billionaire CEOs might not see it that way, but they're wrong. A lobbyist directly influences legislation by advocating for specific policies. Lobbying against climate legislation (or paying people to lobby against climate legislation) while privately voting in favor of it would be like me coming on HN and saying "climate change is a hoax" while privately voting for a carbon tax.
- Balgair 6y ago
  > Billionaire CEOs might not see it that way, but they're wrong. Where is that line crossed though? It's a murky one, that is for sure. There is not exact dollar amount. I'd say there is no line at all, everyone is responsible. Similarly with CC, there is no line. Any effort is a good effort, even if it 'doesn't matter compared to ... '. We're all hypocrites in the end, not a single one of us is perfect (depends on your religion, though, I guess). With CC, that means that any effort you can put in is 'worth it'. This is not a 0% or 100% thing. Even 1% is good.
  - Wowfunhappy 6y ago
    It's not about how much money they have, it's the lobbying. I think it's selfish and immoral to lobby for something which you know full well is against the public interest. You're directly influencing legislation in a direction that's bad for society. The key here is that collective action is the only way to fix climate change. So, on a personal level, I'd rather donate to environmental activism groups than buy more expensive "green" groceries or some such. And I'd encourage everyone else to do the same!

by rapnie 6y ago

Wowfunhappy 6y ago

Lobbying is different. Billionaire CEOs might not see it that way, but they're wrong. A lobbyist directly influences legislation by advocating for specific policies. Lobbying against climate legislation (or paying people to lobby against climate legislation) while privately voting in favor of it would be like me coming on HN and saying "climate change is a hoax" while privately voting for a carbon tax.

Balgair 6y ago
> Billionaire CEOs might not see it that way, but they're wrong. Where is that line crossed though? It's a murky one, that is for sure. There is not exact dollar amount. I'd say there is no line at all, everyone is responsible. Similarly with CC, there is no line. Any effort is a good effort, even if it 'doesn't matter compared to ... '. We're all hypocrites in the end, not a single one of us is perfect (depends on your religion, though, I guess). With CC, that means that any effort you can put in is 'worth it'. This is not a 0% or 100% thing. Even 1% is good.
- Wowfunhappy 6y ago
  It's not about how much money they have, it's the lobbying. I think it's selfish and immoral to lobby for something which you know full well is against the public interest. You're directly influencing legislation in a direction that's bad for society. The key here is that collective action is the only way to fix climate change. So, on a personal level, I'd rather donate to environmental activism groups than buy more expensive "green" groceries or some such. And I'd encourage everyone else to do the same!