5 ms·

Not sure how any of that magically creates better politicians, and it's worth mentioning that some people really enjoy large cities and the idea of a megalopoli

by junon 6y ago

Not sure how any of that magically creates better politicians, and it's worth mentioning that some people really enjoy large cities and the idea of a megalopolis. However, I do agree that Starlink could be the answer to impoverished areas not having readily available internet. This is something I hope to see change as a result, as it would really reinforce some of the early sentiments Elon put out a long while ago.

systemvoltage 6y ago
That's true, I also like some aspects of large cities, especially on the East coast (NYC). I was thinking that better politicians because of conciousness of the community towards its own governance, we already do that but very poorly. I don't even know who the politicians are in my own county. No idea what they do and I don't know if we have a local newspaper in our county. May be I should engage in town halls and local politics.
- junon 6y ago
  I find that the smaller areas tend to have worse politicians as there are less to choose from. I can see it being both ways. Plus, not many politicians in the US at least really seem to care about the thoughts or even the well-being of their constituents. If anything, it's the access to information that would result in better education which would thus (hopefully) result in more informed voters. That would be the real win, in my opinion.
- edgyquant 6y ago
  I think this is a romantic view. Small towns are, if anything, more corrupt as there are less people and less options. It’s a lot easier to get away with being blatantly corrupt in small town America, at least in my experience growing up in a southern adjacent smallish (~15k people) town.
hntrader 6y ago
Speculation - it could create better politicians through two means: (1) More competition for local immigration, which creates selection effects whereby the better run locales attract the largest populations and survive (2) Small local elections aren't subject to partisan MSM outrage coverage or social media virality. Local politicians more likely to emerge organically through legitimate community relationships and reputation, instead of how effectively they're able to stoke the national outrage. Local journalism is also more healthy and fact based, so perhaps more likely to get an informed outcome instead of an outcome driven by partisan tribalism.

by junon 6y ago

systemvoltage 6y ago

That's true, I also like some aspects of large cities, especially on the East coast (NYC). I was thinking that better politicians because of conciousness of the community towards its own governance, we already do that but very poorly. I don't even know who the politicians are in my own county. No idea what they do and I don't know if we have a local newspaper in our county. May be I should engage in town halls and local politics.

junon 6y ago
I find that the smaller areas tend to have worse politicians as there are less to choose from. I can see it being both ways. Plus, not many politicians in the US at least really seem to care about the thoughts or even the well-being of their constituents. If anything, it's the access to information that would result in better education which would thus (hopefully) result in more informed voters. That would be the real win, in my opinion.
edgyquant 6y ago
I think this is a romantic view. Small towns are, if anything, more corrupt as there are less people and less options. It’s a lot easier to get away with being blatantly corrupt in small town America, at least in my experience growing up in a southern adjacent smallish (~15k people) town.

hntrader 6y ago

Speculation - it could create better politicians through two means: (1) More competition for local immigration, which creates selection effects whereby the better run locales attract the largest populations and survive (2) Small local elections aren't subject to partisan MSM outrage coverage or social media virality. Local politicians more likely to emerge organically through legitimate community relationships and reputation, instead of how effectively they're able to stoke the national outrage. Local journalism is also more healthy and fact based, so perhaps more likely to get an informed outcome instead of an outcome driven by partisan tribalism.