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Kaliboytoday at 10:06 AM8 repliesview on HN

I don't understand this mentality.

What makes Musk different than Blackrock for instance? Or Monsanto, or Shell, or any corporation both of us rely on and support, in return for being able to eat, fuel our car, etc.

Is it because Musk isn't lobbying behind the corporation but doing it publically?

I truly don't understand where ya'll draw the line.

I truly don't care what other people do or want, I just look to ensure I can live the life I desire while respecting that which others want or impose. As if me being angry or boycotting them will change their hearts. If it changes anything it's their tactics (more deception).

Another example is AI. I despise it, and honestly think it's evil. Yet I'm using it to secure financial stability in a way that does not require AI to sustain.

So when AI takes over my programming job I have the alternative already running, thanks to AI.

Don't reject the massive advantages of Starlink because of a man, just as you're not actively starving yourself despite our food supply being basically poison, caused by boards of men.


Replies

leipietoday at 10:35 AM

Choosing to stand up for your principles in one instance, doesn't mean you suddenly have to fight all the battles all at once, even those that aren't apparent you (yet). How do you know this person is not choosing principles on other occasions already? IMO doing this is better than doing nothing. You can always choose to pick up more battles later. Other people can fight the other fights. Everyone always choosing self over principles will be worse in the long run

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gkoztoday at 10:50 AM

This passionate apologia of nihilism is not consistent with not caring what other people do or want. If "virtue signalling" elicits such reaction, perhaps it's actually working. Besides, voting with your wallet, an actual tangible action, is not virtue signalling.

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grumbelbart2today at 11:15 AM

> What makes Musk different than Blackrock for instance?

Open support for right-wing parties and politics all over the world.

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CamperBob2today at 7:28 PM

What makes Musk different than Blackrock for instance? Or Monsanto, or Shell, or any corporation both of us rely on and support, in return for being able to eat, fuel our car, etc. Is it because Musk isn't lobbying behind the corporation but doing it publically?

It's because Musk enjoys it.

Any other tu quoque fallacies to dispense with?

locknitpickertoday at 10:12 AM

> I don't understand this mentality.

I think it's pretty easy to understand.

You have a service you want, but subscribing to it is a clear and direct way to financially support the advancement of fascist, extremist political groups and regimes pushing alarmingly racist and xenophobic policies not only in the US but also across the world.

Does your convenience justify a totalitarian shift? I don't think so. Do you think it does?

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foxestoday at 10:13 AM

You know if your internet drops out you could just use your phone or idk not have internet for a bit.

You dont NEED a starlink like you need food or being able to commute etc.

Tesla, starlink are more a luxury for an average hn user.

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rmonvfertoday at 10:18 AM

I think this is one of my favorite comments on HN. Thank you for putting it into words.

tmalytoday at 2:24 PM

I stumbled on a long article post by John Conrad @johnkonrad about War on Rocks on X that explains this mentality. I haven't seen it put this way before.