From a business perspective though, it's absolutely bonkers to see Amazon wasting such an immense amount of resources in an attempt to slow the competition down, rather than speed their own up.
It's like watching a child flip the monopoly board after realising they can't buy any more properties and remain on top.
It’s not necessary, but it probably helps. It’s also a great american tradition (though by no means unique to american), and so is calling for the state to help you not being nice (and then people wonder why US unions are antagonistic…)
As such, I'd like to believe people at places like /r/povertyfinance would still consider themselves successful if they moved beyond their financial challenges through a ton of work even if they don't end up wealthy.
One nice unintended side effect of Bezos' tantrums (demands for more cake and ice cream) is the implicit recognition that governments create markets, are the source of all wealth.
As a taxpayer, I'm overjoyed that we're bankrolling SpaceX (and everyone else). I want sat phones and vacations on Mars.
Then in 10 years, when Musk is a trillionaire, I'll be even happier when we claw back his windfall thru repeated radical cashectomies.
Once Musk is reduced back down to billionaire status, award him a Presidential Freedom Markets™ Medal. And maybe rename some buildings.
Oh come on.