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Thank you arca_vorago! First - I am saddened that a line of questioning could be deemed dangerous. So much for our 'progress'. > The main mistake though is to

Thank you arca_vorago! First - I am saddened that a line of questioning could be deemed dangerous. So much for our 'progress'. > The main mistake though is to think they are all in on it or even understand it. I hope I have not misunderstood but what you've said really confirms to me that what we see is roughly emergent from individual actors (consider a group an actor as well) seeking out their own interests. Of course it makes obvious sense that people of like status/wealth know closely other people of similar status/wealth. This can only lead to collusion the same way my close friends and I could be seen to collude in relation to our, admittedly, far smaller sphere of influence. In general I agree with what you've said about Hanlon's razor but I also feel it is a useful approach simply as an exercise. Brute force remains a useful way to find the truth. Thanks again for your response! I truly appreciate being able to discuss a topic like this without it devolving ala. most reddit boards etc.

arca_vorago 11y ago
"what we see is roughly emergent from individual actors (consider a group an actor as well) seeking out their own interests." I would slightly adjust this and say that the emergent actors are guided and coaxed from a distance, but yes, I agree, at base it is the self-interests that drive it among individual actors. That being said, there were supposed to be mechanisms in place to help prevent such power to accumulate, and it is the deliberate undermining of these separations, and balances and checks, that indicates to me intent beyond simple local non-state actor self-interest. I also greatly appreciate the fact that HN is one of the few places I feel comfortable enough conversations will maintain a certain level. Honest and open discussion is too far and few between these days, especially on such subjects as this.

arca_vorago 11y ago

"what we see is roughly emergent from individual actors (consider a group an actor as well) seeking out their own interests." I would slightly adjust this and say that the emergent actors are guided and coaxed from a distance, but yes, I agree, at base it is the self-interests that drive it among individual actors. That being said, there were supposed to be mechanisms in place to help prevent such power to accumulate, and it is the deliberate undermining of these separations, and balances and checks, that indicates to me intent beyond simple local non-state actor self-interest. I also greatly appreciate the fact that HN is one of the few places I feel comfortable enough conversations will maintain a certain level. Honest and open discussion is too far and few between these days, especially on such subjects as this.