“Vast wealth of tech billionaires has made many of them unconcerned with the little people’s lives — and deeply unpatriotic.” Is Paul Krugman correct?

In his recent essay, "The Billionaire's War," Paul Krugman argues that the vast wealth of tech billionaires has made many of them indifferent to the lives of the "little people" and deeply unpatriotic. Krugman's harsh judgment of the technology elite centers on the idea that these individuals are increasingly insulated from the negative consequences of their actions and the policies they support. The question remains: Is Krugman correct in his assessment?

Krugman's essay highlights how the wealthy, particularly those in the technology sector, are unlikely to bear the brunt of the consequences of Trump's policies. Instead, these consequences fall disproportionately on the mainstream American population. He points out that the technology elite are shielded from the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens, such as brutal treatment by ICE agents, subverted law enforcement agencies, and budget cuts that decimate rural hospitals.

Krugman's critique extends to the potential consequences of an ill-conceived war that might double the price of oil. While the average American would struggle with higher gasoline costs, tech billionaires can afford the luxury of limousines and yachts, and their children would not be the ones hunkering down in a bunker in the Middle East.

The intensity and breadth of Krugman's statement may be striking, but the underlying question is more fundamental: Is the technology upper class becoming less likely to face the negative externalities they create, and does this alter their approach to life? In a K-shaped economy, where wealth and opportunity are increasingly divided, the shared definition of what is ethical or moral is eroding. This raises the possibility that, year over year and decade over decade, the tech community's detachment from the consequences of their actions is becoming more pronounced.

This detachment is not unique to the technology sector. In a conversation with Alex Heath, tech leader Chris Best described himself as "a ship and find out guy," highlighting a mindset that prioritizes exploration and long-term value over immediate consequences. Heath further noted that the potential negative ramifications of certain markets are secondary to the long-term value they will bring.

Krugman's essay raises important questions about the responsibility of the wealthy, particularly those in the technology industry, to consider the broader societal impact of their actions. As wealth inequality grows and the K-shaped economy becomes more entrenched, the question of whether the technology elite is becoming increasingly disconnected from the lives of ordinary Americans cannot be ignored. The implications for society and the future of democracy are significant, as the actions of the wealthy continue to shape the landscape in ways that often favor their own interests.