(moderator note: Post merged with existing "elon musk" discussion thread. It was originally a separate thread, which is why the first line reads as it does)
Today I would like to open a discussion, or be directed to a discussion here or elsewhere if you know of one, for Tesla core supporters regarding some recent concerns relating to Elon Musk.
First off, what do I mean by a core supporter?
I consider myself one. I core supporter is someone who has supported the Tesla mission and Elon Musk's efforts to advance that mission from the beginning, publicly, with financing, with time and effort. Personally, I have invested thousands into the company; hundreds of thousands if you include purchasing Tesla vehicles to support Tesla's mission. I have taken time off work to fight for Tesla to be able to sell and service cars. I've spent time at my state capital in person talking to legislators when bills were raised that threatened Tesla being able to do business. I have taken Tesla vehicles to car shows so people can look and learn about Tesla vehicles.
Why be a core supporter? Why support the mission?
I don't want to go too deeply into this, but I think most core supporters are core supporters in large part because they support the mission of advancing sustainable transport and sustainable energy, and Tesla has been instrumental in both with Tesla vehicles and Tesla energy products. But it can be much more than that. It can also be that Tesla, Elon Musk, and other companies by Elon Musk are inspiring. There is an eager spirit and excitement to not just build things that are good for humanity, but that are exciting, fun, and that advance us as a society. Finally, one perhaps less appreciated by many, but I happen to find of high importance, Tesla and other Elon Musk companies are well positioned to help bring people together and unify us as a people. These companies achieve objectives for all political sides and provides a common spirit that can help bring people together in highly divisive times.
So what's the deal with Elon Musk?
My concern, in particular over maybe the last year, is what seems like a change in the demeanor of Elon Musk that could have negative ramifications for companies he is associated with and for society as a whole. It is almost undeniable now that there is a global conflict between autocratic and democratic forces. We've seen it across the globe. We've seen it here at home in the United States where autocracy hides and deceives. It's insidious because it aligns itself and hides itself along political lines and gets people to support measures that hurt the very freedom they were intending to protect. The latest incident with Elon Musk is his attempt to influence or completely take over Twitter. He seems to be doing this out of support for free speech, a noble endeavor, but his demeanor while doing it is suspect, and this demeanor is beginning to endanger the once unifying spirit of his companies. Does he really support democracy and freedom? Or is he merely seeking power over others? My trust in him is shaken.
What is negative?
This new demeanor seems to exceed his former reputation of light hearted fun. It is petulant, and feels deceptive. It is beginning to draw a new class of rabid supporters where even long time supporters like myself are saying "cool it with the hero worship, guys". He's making overly dramatic gestures, attempting to take things over, while not providing sufficient explanation or reasoning for his actions. This all aligns him far too closely with the behavior of autocrats. Hopefully most of you are like me, a patriot of freedom and democracy, and I don't like a king, not even a benevolent one. Most seriously, it is beginning to fracture his support along political dividing lines when he should be attempting to remain apolitical as a figurehead of such important companies that could help bring people together. We need less division, not more. And, like myself, it is breaking people's trust in him.
What is positive?
A classic autocrat is frequently awash in corruption and fraud. Elon's companies are entirely legitimate, and have valuable missions. There are isolated occurrences of discrimination and the like that his companies have been accused of, but I still believe these are isolated incidents and do not reflect any larger direction of the companies. A classic autocrat also pushes lies and self serving propaganda. I haven't seen Elon do this either. Most of his work is still well grounded in real science. I don't see him promoting any wild conspiracies. And while his attempt to take over Twitter feels autocratic, it may in fact just be an attempt to maximize free speech and improve the platform for everyone. It's a fair argument that certain banned individuals were rightly banned for violating terms of service of a company platform, but I can also understand the counter arguments. Intense lies and propaganda are the tools of autocrats, and as a people, we haven't figured out how to effectively fight propaganda without stepping on free speech in the process.
What is reality? Where do we go from here?
Two big questions. What are Elon's intentions; can we trust him to uphold democracy, or can we only trust him to advance scientific endeavors? And how do we protect the missions of his companies and promote a unifying spirit without it becoming some kind of political and ideological war?
I'd like to keep supporting Elon, Tesla, and SpaceX, but I have to admit I'm deeply worried at the moment. I've lost my trust. I've started withholding support. I'm concerned about politicization to the point where I'm not sure I want to take Tesla's to car shows anymore. I need some consultation with other long term Tesla supporters. Do we have reason to be concerned? Are there ways to help improve the situation?
www.uscourts.gov
