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We optimize for 2 things politically, one being jobs (which we have enough of right now), and a far second being wages. Livability, affordability, social cohes

We optimize for 2 things politically, one being jobs (which we have enough of right now), and a far second being wages. Livability, affordability, social cohesion, work life balance, cost of living relative to wages, and a safety net are all not even on the list. That $18 an hour you can earn probably doesn’t get you a 1 bedroom rental apartment unless it’s in the middle of nowhere. 6 figure incomes are priced out of housing markets, outbid by corporate cash offers from the likes of Zillow, Bain, and private equity who are flipping entire neighborhoods. It feels like the basis of society has fallen by the wayside in order to give nation state money and power to a few individuals. Only when income inequality starts to go down will any of these trends reverse, and we’re not near the peak yet. I really don’t see any reason to believe that America will be a superpower in the next 30, let alone 100 years. And maybe that’s what it needs to focus on the livelihoods of its citizens.

cratermoon 5y ago
No doubt that, by the time all is accounted for, the employees will end up owing more than they make, and Amazon will offer low interest* payday advance loans. *Not actually low interest after the first month
xg15 5y ago
I honestly could never understand the focus on jobs and employment as a primary measure. Like if we said, employment is necessary so people can make a living, no problem. If we said, employment is necessary to get essential work done, also no problem. But we actually do neither. Instead, employment seems to be a goal of its own. A company is worth saving if it "provides jobs". Nevermind if those jobs have no benefit to society and don't provide employees with a living wage, all that counts is that they are jobs...
Delvinacht 5y ago
The rest of the west and China is far worse with this affordability shit than the US. The US will die be the last to die. China is far more unequal than the US and pulls this type of shit way more often yet it’s considered rising?

cratermoon 5y ago

No doubt that, by the time all is accounted for, the employees will end up owing more than they make, and Amazon will offer low interest* payday advance loans. *Not actually low interest after the first month

xg15 5y ago

I honestly could never understand the focus on jobs and employment as a primary measure. Like if we said, employment is necessary so people can make a living, no problem. If we said, employment is necessary to get essential work done, also no problem. But we actually do neither. Instead, employment seems to be a goal of its own. A company is worth saving if it "provides jobs". Nevermind if those jobs have no benefit to society and don't provide employees with a living wage, all that counts is that they are jobs...

Delvinacht 5y ago

The rest of the west and China is far worse with this affordability shit than the US. The US will die be the last to die. China is far more unequal than the US and pulls this type of shit way more often yet it’s considered rising?