Comment by mrskitch
9 years ago
Playing devil's advocate: I'm assuming that's because the things you have listed don't have a lot of (or any) laws/regulations around them. At least not to the degree that fixing wealth distribution does. Can you image all of the tax restructuring you'd have to achieve? Plus the fact that all of the lobbyists and other deeply entrenched parties that will oppose you.
If I were in a similar position I'd likely opt for the most fun-sounding futuristic project that doesn't involve all that pain.
Indeed. I think you are right. They prefer toying with childish ideas instead of dealing with the boring, difficult and dirty job of real politics.
And in fact, perhaps it's better like this.
Edit: that said, their ideas do have real political consequences: keeping the status quo as it is.
I do agree with you (we should be tackling problems that have plagued humanity since we've been a species). I think it's just incredibly tough to find motivation when the cards are already stacked against your from the start. Largely thankless work even when you are successful. Why fight to get healthcare accessible to all when you could make the world "more open and connected" instead (and become a billionaire in the process)?