@TIME Surely given the year we’ve just had, there are other people more deserving of praise and recognition than a billionaire who spent the GDP of a small country on a privatized space race?
@shelikesstripes@DrElaineMa I went to the December 26 clinic as well and haven’t received my receipt. What email address did you send your question to?
@oivindoh @TeslaFruit@thinkabouditt@TIME I’m not putting the onus on Musk to solve all those issues. I’m pointing out that internet will benefit some (if it’s affordable), but it’s not the top priority for all communities if they don’t have their basic needs met. Addressing all needs at once would be a Herculean task.
@LudaLisl@TIME Thank you for reading. Seems like a few people are praising him, though influence is a big factor. And everyone’s perspective is one-sided because it’s unique to you. But I’m happy to engage in conversation and be proven wrong. I’ve definitely learned some things in this thread.
@crawling_dark @TIME Healthcare workers. Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci or any of the vaccine creators who’ve saved so many lives. The record number of women serving in Congress this year. There’s a long list of people who stood out this year under extraordinary circumstances.
Wealth of Elon Musk
2011: $2,000,000,000
2021: $265,400,000,000
Wealth of Jeff Bezos
2011: $18,100,000,000
2021: $198,300,000,000
Wealth of Mark Zuckerberg
2011: $17,500,000,000
2021: $118,900,000,000
U.S. Minimum Wage
2011: $7.25
2021: $7.25
Three words: tax the rich.
@CupnRainThought @1967arnoldlayne @TIME 💯 Absolutely! Love that idea. I think a broad approach incorporating individual action, policy changes, government intervention, and corporate interest is really where the magic lies. The challenge is getting all those aligned and focused on a single goal.
@CupnRainThought @1967arnoldlayne @TIME No apologies! This is a fantastic conversation. I appreciate the candor. I also try to contribute to my local food bank on the regular because I have the means.
@CupnRainThought @1967arnoldlayne @TIME Sorry, character limit lol. We might not be able to do things the same way as Musk because we don’t have the companies to do so. But I know I’m trying to be take more action on climate change. Otherwise, I’m just being a hypocrite 🤷♀️
@CupnRainThought @1967arnoldlayne @TIME A bit unclear on what you mean by standards, but yes. I think we should hold each other accountable to be more sustainable if we have the means. Collective action starts with the individual. Small changes on a large scale can have a big impact.
@mortenlund89@TIME Historically there have been some very controversial figures, but I have noticed in the past few years a trend toward flattering profiles that often overlook the criticisms of the winner. Just pointing out what looks like a new trend in how POTY is presented.
@mortenlund89@TIME Good point. Whether or not TIME’s intention was to praise people with this recognition, it seems to have taken on that meaning. The very flattering profile seems to err on the side of praise to me. Significance is a good way to frame it.
@magicrossy@TIME What’s ignorant about it? I would read though the comments. I’m engaging in dialogue with others who are enlightening me on why he deserves this recognition and some people have rightly corrected my assertions. Willingness to learn is the opposite of ignorant.
@mortenlund89@TIME If this award isn’t praise or recognition, what is it? He sure was. And TIME has named several other controversial figures as POTY. Which is why it’s fair to critically question who is receiving it and why ✌️
@CupnRainThought @1967arnoldlayne @TIME Isn’t it a shared responsibility if it’s a planet we all inhabit and rely on to survive? And believe me, I “complain” plenty to politicians on the regular. They aren’t off the hook. It’s fair to ask these question of someone who could, for example, literally end world hunger.
@carlovicenzett5 @scottwww@cryptictactoe@GigglesNschitt @1967arnoldlayne @TIME Yeah, Scott shared a source with that information. I still stand by my belief that wealth comes with privileges even if you don’t live in a mansion. He can afford what the average American can’t and that comes with peace of mind, freedom, and many other advantages.
@thombax@DanielM51664716 @1967arnoldlayne @TIME Agreed! But it will take longer for countries without the infrastructure or capital to catch up. We’re asking developing nations to jump from coal straight to renewable energy in some cases, so they’ll need the support of wealthier nations if we’re doing to ditch fossil fuels.
@thombax @1967arnoldlayne @TIME Good questions! Like all things, I think it would come down to bureaucracy or money (whoever has the most). A mass extinction event could happen any time, before we have the means to leave or long after we are able. An unpredictable event like they shouldn’t be the goalpost IMO.
@themostpositive @ShuttleAdmirer @1967arnoldlayne @TIME I’ve also seen the movie where we send people to space and yet that’s been our reality for decades. Every bit of science is science fiction or fantasy until it’s not. Why is this any different?