Of course he was always a jerk, but I still think of a reality where Elon never went (officially) Nazi and just stuck with his otherwise important companies. Tesla being an important early mover in EVs, especially in such an oil-dependent country, and all the cool stuff SpaceX has been up to.
Governments in any nation - France deefinitely not excluded - are self-serving and following the wishes of the rich, but the common French people have always had balls!
Really depends on the society. South Korea, for example, is definitely genuinely threatened by its way too sharp decline - including culturally. Otherwise I agree that negative effects are generally overexaggerated and that the future will inevitably demand less human labour.
How is that a "crazy theory"? Information control is not directly tied to capitalism but to any form of regime. The Western model and social media is, of course, strongly tied to capitalism and the desire for economic growth. How does that add to it?
There is no better regime than the West in this regard. Force things on people? You're gonna risk a revolt or dissent. 'Subtly' make people dependent on your product so they'll voluntarily use it and share everything with you while you 'subtly' control the algorithm in your favour? Now that's perfect. Social media is the ultimate tool of power and governance.
Although North Korea is a very "successful" oppressive regime, largely able to have full control over information both in and out of the country and to greatly limit desertion. I can't think of a "better" regime in this regard.
"Never"? This is literally the only comment of mine you've ever seen 😂 bro, don't tell me there's not pleeenty of criticism of the Catholic church going around. By far the most scorned religious institution in the West.
Now what does this have to do with criticism of a pervasive issue in Japanese culture? Do we have to attach a list of every problematic institution every time criticism is given, or do you just have a weak ass mental? Bring an argument rather than ad hominem and we might actually have something relevant to talk about. Otherwise you're just a tosser.
It's not that I don't understand your argument, or sympathise with prioritising EU products, it's just quite a far reach to claim that Switzerland is "not a real country". I'd choose a Swiss company over a Hungarian one - so EU membership isn't the only determinant.
The way forward, imo, is full EU integration - also for Switzerland - but even with Trump threatning us too this is too far a reach from happening..
So, I'll welcome products from any European country that generally cares about data protection, neutrality, and a non-American future.
That adds a bit more context to your stance, although it's quite narrowminded imo.
Europe is filled with tax havens from Monaco to Andorra to Ireland to the Netherlands to Luxembourg, and British overseas territories. It's not only a Swiss sport to have unfair tax systems. Other current EU members have traditionally been neutral such as Sweden, Finland (although forced), Austria etc..
Then talking about "taxes to the EU community" and mentioning Germany in a reality where German fiscal policies have dictated those of most everyone else - until they now decide it benefits them to change their own - German policies towards Russian energy, Meloni's flirtation with dictators and fascism, Spanish friendship with China, and increasing anti-EU and anti-Ukraine sentiment in most countries.
Now tell me why I should have a particularly hard stance on Switzerland? Choosing EU companies first is completely fair, but don't justify it with some holier-than-thou attitude.
Of course he was always a jerk, but I still think of a reality where Elon never went (officially) Nazi and just stuck with his otherwise important companies. Tesla being an important early mover in EVs, especially in such an oil-dependent country, and all the cool stuff SpaceX has been up to.