In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” opinion columnist and author Ezra Klein spoke about his new book, “Abundance,” which examines the scarcity created by both political parties in areas such as housing, energy, and scientific discovery. Klein argues that while the left tends to support government intervention, they often fail in making it work effectively, leading to a shortage of essential resources. On the other hand, the right, which typically opposes big government, often attempts to undermine its effectiveness to push for privatization.
Klein suggests that there needs to be a shift in focus towards identifying what resources are lacking and how to increase their availability. For example, he highlights the housing crisis in California, where a lack of affordable housing has resulted in a significant homeless population. Klein believes that to address these issues, governments must be willing to break processes, change institutions, and prioritize the needs of the people they serve.
Interestingly, Klein raises concerns about the motives of individuals like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who he believes are actively trying to break the government so they can take it over. He warns that they may use the failure of government services as evidence that the system is flawed, ultimately paving the way for privatization. Klein cites the example of Elon Musk’s involvement with the Federal Aviation Administration and his push for projects like Starlink as potential attempts to gain control over critical government functions.
Despite the challenges we face, Klein remains hopeful for a future of abundance. He envisions a society where essential resources, such as housing and clean energy, are readily available, while also advocating for a shift in how we value human beings. As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, Klein believes we need to reassess how we define and prioritize human dignity. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal of abundance is not just to have material possessions but also to create a society that values each other’s worth and treats all individuals with respect.
Klein’s book, “Abundance,” will be available on March 18th, providing a thought-provoking exploration of the scarcity created by both political parties and offering a hopeful vision for the future.
