Hacker News Reader

Comment by exoverito | Hacker News Reader

Hard to argue that trans people are critical to America being a great power. High skill immigration is generally beneficial, but mass illegal migration is far more dubious, as seen in Europe. The OECD just reported that high immigration has actually been negative for Canada, which has had anemic economic growth for the past 10 years.

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/high-immigration-is-worseni...

I don't think tax cuts for the rich are very wise given the budget deficit, but continuously increasing government spending, taxes and regulation is not wise either. U.S. government spending as a percentage of GDP is the highest it's ever been, even more than during WW2. Over regulation is a major problem, as seen with CAHSR, and even figures on the left are starting to realize it, e.g. Ezra Klein.

View on HN

I unironically think our treatment of trans people and other sexual minorities is key to the US' success. It contributes heavily to our reputation and image as a Bastian of freedom and individuality. That image is what is directly responsible for our brain-drain immigration and culture of diverse communities.

All around the world, there are people who feel as though they don't belong where they are. They're minorities in one way or another. Sometimes racial, sometimes intellectual, sometimes sexual. Those people look to the US with starry eyes - as a heaven where they can be themselves and make something for their lives. The economy is really only half the story here.

When we persecute trans people or other minorities we really chip away at that image and culture. And we can directly see the results - people don't look at the US like they used to. This image is becoming less and less popular globally.

The US has (had) saved itself from the crippling demographic curve that looms over the rest of the Western world thanks to being a nation of immigrants. It also became the research capitol of the world, among countless other benefits gained from welcoming the types of people willing to take risks and go to a foreign land to build a better life. And unlike in Europe, immigrants to the US are overwhelming from similar cultural and religious traditions.

It's only the MAGA few who buy into this whole anti-immigrant rhetoric. Even the Republican party still loves immigrants - as any business-oriented party would! - even if they're forced to pretend otherwise due to temporary political concerns.

Republicans are first and foremost the party of cheap labor and low taxes on capital

Reply on news.ycombinator.com