sorry, the burden is on you to distinguish genuine business accomplishment from what others might suspect, less charitably, is excellence in crony capitalism [1],[2].

The Economist made a feeble effort to rank countries in this respect [3] but it does not even include the tech sector in the "crony-prone" sectors (eyes rolling).

[1] "situation in which businesses profit from a close relationship with state power, either through an anti-competitive regulatory environment, direct government largesse, and/or corruption. Examples given for crony capitalism include obtainment of permits, government grants, tax breaks, or other undue influence from businesses over the state's deployment of public goods, for example, mining concessions for primary commodities or contracts for public works" etc.

[2] Crony Capitalism, American Style: What Are We Talking About Here? https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/15-025_c6fbbbf7-...

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crony-capitalism_index

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refurb 7 months ago | parent [-]

sorry, the burden is on you to distinguish genuine business accomplishment from what others might suspect, less charitably, is excellence in crony capitalism

No, actually the burden is on the person making that claim (you).

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openrisk 7 months ago | parent [-]

If you think "ideal businessmen" can spend millions to influence political outcomes and overtly commingle public and private interests I question the integrity of your judgement and feel no burden whatsoever.

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refurb 7 months ago | parent [-]

Have you stopped the “crony capitalism” and moved onto something else now?

Now that you’ve brought up political money and public and private interests, I’m starting to think you don’t like his politics and that’s about it.

I can think of any other business who doesn’t spend millions for politics and “commingle public and private interests” (whatever that actually means).

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scotty79 7 months ago | parent [-]

> Now that you’ve brought up political money and public and private interests

"Crony capitalism, sometimes also called simply cronyism, is a pejorative term used in political discourse to describe a situation in which businesses profit from a close relationship with state power, [...] In other words, it is used to describe a situation where businesses thrive not as a result of free enterprise, but rather collusion between a business class and the political class."

> I can think of any other business who doesn’t spend millions for politics and “commingle public and private interests”

So if cronyism is prevalent in US to some degree then a person who does that best shouldn't be criticisized?

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refurb 7 months ago | parent [-]

So please provide evidence how Tesla, SpaceX or Starlink have benefited from "a close relationship with state power".

You realize that prior to the latest election, the government generally was opposed to Elon Musk. He was investigated by the SEC, and attacked by politicians.

That sounds like the opposite of crony capitalism.

> So if cronyism is prevalent in US to some degree then a person who does that best shouldn't be criticisized?

Maybe you should start with some evidence first? Honestly, it sounds like you just don't like him and you're mad that others do like him.

	▲	scotty79 7 months ago \| parent [-]
		Moon mission 3bln grant awarded by government person in power that after awarding it promptly quit and went to work for Musk. And who knows what happened around starlink and military. Tons of subsidies for Tesla. Tax cuts. All of his companies benefit hugely from tax money yet people see him as incredible self made billionaire.