We should go easier on the Dells

I’d put income inequality as one of the top issues plaguing modern day society. I subscribe to more of the localist and distributionist school of economics, that we actually need more small business, employee owned business, co-ops, and other models that spread the ownership to people closer to the work than outside shareholders. In that vein, I can find common ground with the rising democratic socialist in that I’m not a fan of billionaires. Over a decade ago, I was talking with friends and said I didn’t vote because it was statistically irrelevant and you were just picking the lesser of two evils. My friend’s brother quickly quipped “if you pick the lesser of two evils, things get less evil.” Living in a weird place like Austin, the richest people in the world mix into our day to day lives and culture. You wouldn’t know that the Cybertruck is a flop when you see one at every stop light in town. The only thing more ubiquitous is the gold empty Robotaxis everywhere. Michael Dell’s name is everywhere too. On the Jewish cultural center, children’s hospitals, medical school buildings. They contribute to Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village, and local schools. The 530A accounts (aka Trump accounts) have flaws but it is an opportunity for more people to benefit from the rising economy and is very similar to proposals put forth by democrats. The Dells have committed to putting $6.25B into those accounts for kids born in low income zip codes. That doesn’t make them heroes. It’s a lot easier to give $6.25B when you have a net worth over $100B. So should we build statues of Michael and Susan Dell? No. Should we give them as much crap as other billionaires? Also, no