Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

If Tesla is moving it’s headquarters to get away from the unfavorable political landscape of California, why would it want to hasten a shift in Texas politics to something that resembles California?


>Why would it want to hasten a shift in Texas politics to something that resembles California?

Clearly, Tesla wouldn't want that; but it would be a side-effect.

Tech workers tend to be educated, educated people tend to be left-leaning, a tech economy is a liberal economy.

That California has a liberal government and the world's tech hub is not a coincidence.


Tech workers are more educated because cities are more educated and cities and colleges are always more liberal. But being “liberal” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. You brought up covid, lockdowns which restrict freedom is not “liberal” or liberating in any way.


> Tech workers are more educated because cities are more educated

No, knowledge workers (including tech workers) are more educated because of the specific requirements of the jobs they do.

While that type of jobs may be disproportionately concentrated in cities, the ones that are rural are still educated.


Sorry I don’t mean to say that there aren’t educated people in rural areas, but the trend is generally your point of concentration. Many people look down on farmers despite many being extremely educated. But certain educational backgrounds are more valued in societal perceptions.

Good distinction on knowledge workers.


>Tech workers are more educated because cities are more educated and cities and colleges are always more liberal

You do realize that that's a non-sequitur, do you? Let's break it down:

1. Cities are more educated (compared to what? But OK.)

2. Colleges are more liberal (than what? But OK too.)

--------

3. Tech workers are more educated (????)

Does not compute, my friend. In any case, this does not even contradict anything I said.

And I brought up COVID because the (unvaccinated) people are dying in record numbers in Texas, and those dying are overwhelmingly right-leaning.

I struggle to understand your point.


The opposite of cities and the college educated. I’m not looking to call you wrong or contradict you. They have the right to choose their own lives. If you value the fundamental of American freedom, allow them to live and die as they see fit.


Obviously Tesla corporate won’t be pushing for a shift in Texas politics. But I would guess the majority of people Tesla would bring to Texas to fill their roles would support a more liberal version of Texas. I think that’s what OP was saying.


> why would it want to hasten a shift

tesla isn't doing the hastening willingly. Their hires are.


Liberal social politics doesn't necessarily equate to liberal economic politics. As highly paid engineers tend to also be affected by high taxes, etc. it's possible we'll see a move towards liberal social policies (i.e. abortion) while business law more-or-less stays put.


> As highly paid engineers tend to also be affected by high taxes

The engineers also tend to be affected by the things the taxes are collected for. Like, say, healthcare in case you get unemployed.


Very true. That's why I said social and economic policy doesn't _necessarily_ equate. There's a connection, but not 1:1.

Like all states, Texas wastes more than enough money for it be a consistent position to simultaneously support better health care while resisting higher taxes.


It wouldn't, but it doesn't mean it won't




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: