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Notes -
I think almost all of recent turns in Musk's reputation comes from his depriving of the journalist class of what had been their sacred bullying grounds. Stripping their bluechecks away and handing them out to the highest bidder? Unforgivable.
But even before that, I think (regarding electric cars) he may have had the problem of his would-be allies in the environmental movement not really wanting his help. What does that mean? If the environmental movement is about the environment, then taking electric cars from a Simpsons gag to an everyday sight ought to be greatly desired.
If the environmental movement (except for some true believers) is more about tribal jockeying - about providing yet more proof that the current system is Wrong and must be overthrown, and the right people put in power - then technological solutions are the last sort of help such a movement would want.
"The planet is in terrible danger under the current system, so that system must be overthrown!" / "Here's a way to save the planet without having to overthrow the system!" Is the next line "thanks" or is it "curses!"?
Okay, it's never explicitly "curses!" Instead, there's always some very good reason why any proposed solution to the biggest problem in the world except the desired suite of sociopolitical changes is unacceptable. (Exhibit B: fission power.)
Personally, I'm in favor of humanity innovating its way out of problems over resorting to social control, 'cheating' though it may be. Maybe Elon Musk isn't the person for the job - maybe everything you've written here is true (I don't really care.) Still, though, I'm going to look with suspicion on whatever looks like an attempt to turn down a technological alternative to "overthrowing the system."
"Otherthrowing the system" is usually composed of a variety of reasons, ranging from "not being in the demographic of who's in control of The System" to "not having access to people in control of The System" to "the effects of living under the people who have control of The System are intolerable" to "the people who are in control of The System aren't very good at keeping The System running". It is not surprising one is tempted to say "curses!" faster than "thanks!"
Just as you are allowed to distrust people who use these particular Arguments As Soldiers, it is also allowed for them to mourn the deceased arguments.
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