The point is not whether or not Musk owes it to anyone. But that some people claim to be making the world a better place, and others batten down and actually do make the world a better place. And usually the latter is a lot less glamorous than the former.
Yeah, I'm as big of a Tesla fan as you'll find but the lack of closing the factory in one of the epicenters has really lowered my opinion of his leadership.
While I understand he's one to zig when everyone zags I feel like this will be a case where it will become clear that it was a bad call.
I guess people at the factory do few close contacts which can lead to virus transmission. And I guess they are supplied with hand sanitizers and handwashing is mandatory.
On the other hand, people get paid, the factory is saved from bankruptcy so people can continue working in the factory even after the end of the outbreak.
I'm not sure that closing the factory is a universally good decision for society.
Considering that the virus can live for up to 9 days on metal, glass or plastic[1] I'm not sure that mandatory hand washing is going to do much in an assembly line where everyone interacts directly vehicles on the line.
Those numbers really don't tell you anything about how viable surface transmission is as a vector from person to person. It doesn't seem to be a major transmission pathway based on all the available evidence so far.
I wish more people could have this balanced viewpoint. Maybe it's a good decision, maybe it isn't, but the fact that there's a virus spreading shouldn't cause us to all get one-track minds all of a sudden.
People's economic situation is important to their health too, and their job is usually the biggest part of that.
Let's be fair, Elon has had plenty of accomplishments in "making the world a better place". I don't see the point of all this concentrated attention on one person as if he's the savior to every problem.
Advancements in electric transportation, solar power and battery technology for a cleaner and more sustainable energy grid. Efficient access to space leading to more commercial development including cheap worldwide broadband. 2 major corporations creating thousands of jobs and billions in market value.
- reduced the cost of launching satellites significantly
- has made electric cars 'cool'
- by doing this has inspired people to take risks and be visionary
Don't get me wrong, he's certainly got his flaws, and Tesla has it's challednges cut out for them. But you have to credit him: he's made his dent, and is working on further dents as we speak.
Making the ventilators is not the only way to make world a better place.
I consider my daytime job making the world a better place even in these dark days. But I don't work at ventilators factoy (or in hospital, or in anything directly related to coronavirus).
Talking about downvoting is very taboo on HN. It's in the FAQ/guidelines.
Relax, I've had countless comments start off downvoted then turn into +30 by the end of the day. It's a silly thing to get upset about, as long as you originally commented with earnest intentions there's nothing to worry about (even being wrong, if misunderstood then try harder next time to communicate it better).
