Hi. The takeway of the article we’re discussing, to me, is that, while we’ve created a myriad of problems as we push forward with consumer capitalism, the billionaires will of course be okay, and to keep us happy, they’ll stick us in virtual worlds, like the matrix. I’m not sure how the Act you’re citing applies. I did look at it, but perhaps you could explain, since you’re the one making the argument?

My comment was that I don’t see the author’s criticism — billionaires sticking us into the matrix — as planned. The rise of billionaires and simultaneous destruction of the biosphere seems inevitable to me, but not thought out ahead of time.

The profit motive regularly runs counter to human health and ecological well-being across the board. For instance, it’s more profitable to treat than cure disease. It’s more profitable to sell someone a cradle-to-grave technology (oil) than something sustainable for life (geothermal). Capitalism favors low overhead, repeat customers, and infinite growth. Those are the roots of just about every modern problem.