Author did a huge rationalizing that they’re working on an useless BS job (according to the david graeber definition). It is ok in capitalism to just do your job and maximize income but there’s no need to lie to yourself that the work is useful please!
Before AI, copyright was a way to increase profits for the ruling class, now with AI it’s disadvantageous to keep copyright to the detriment of the petite bourgeoisie (like artists and self-employed software engineers). It’s the rule in capitalism that big capital eats small capital leading to income concentration in fewer and fewer hands.
This is one example of ways that the US empire supports the economy of Israel (the 51st state). I would be very surprised if there isn’t a political element here.
Just to point out that the reason why solar panel costs have been decreasing is because china as part of their 5-year plans set solar energy as a national priority and the world is now benefiting from their upfront investments and economies of scale. This is a clear datapoint towards economic planning for the green transition and rational management of natural resources.
As long as US imperialism exists, the US dollar will be reserve currency and the US will be able to print away problems. This is the exorbitant privilege the US has which is effectively extracting tribute from all international transactions in dollar.
The dollar is the reserve currency because there are no viable alternatives.
It’s not about imperialism or hegemony, which are fashionable reasons used by the poor. It’s literally because there are no alternatives.
The US also is in the unique position of stabilizing the entire world financial system, something it does on an occasional basis. I’m not sure you understand what the price of financial chaos is, but it generally involves massive amounts of human suffering.
As an aside, imperialism is generally better than anarchy. Ask Libyans and Somalians how anarchy is working out for them.
