I don’t really think this is rocket science. Two international companies decided they did not like legislation passed in Austin. They mounted a spoiled-brat, dishonest campaign to try to get their own way. In so many ways it was the perfect millennial political action. Spark and dash, smoke and noise, too much money, almost no thought. A lot of people, without much of a horse in this race in the beginning, were troubled that these companies would spend close to 10 million dollars on a local campaign. Uber and Lyft were trying to buy a victory. While intimidating local government. And they did it gracelessly by assuring everyone that no matter what they wanted, if they voted yes on Prop 1 they would get it.
In Austin, not by any means uniquely but always outstandingly, the aftermath of an election is almost as interesting as the election itself. The arguments continue apace with both sides usually insulting each other with even more hostility. Sure, the occasional reasonable discussion somehow works its way in, but that is rare. Insults are overt, name-calling ever more intense. The Uber/Lyft argument continues as though not only had the vote not yet happened, but the discussion over the proposition barely begun. Those in favor of Prop 1 used the companies, loved the maps, or worked for them, or didn’t like the City Council, or cabs, or government at all, especially government regulations.
If any of this was real it would be one thing. This was not a vote on capitalism or fingerprinting or cabs over ridesharing, or traditional businesses against emerging businesses driven by new technology. This wasn’t about over-regulation or wanting drivers to lose jobs or denying transportation options. It was pretty simple. These companies wanted their own way. They were so obvious about it, going to the most ridiculous and self-destructive extreme to get it.
Subtlety might have worked. Honesty would have been welcomed. But ….
All of you who supported and voted for Prop 1, fine. There were certainly arguments in favor. But those of you who dismiss the arguments against should realize that despite your tired rhetoric or shallow accusations, there was an 800-pound gorilla in the room. Farting in our faces, defecating where we eat. Why were the companies willing to spend that kind of money? Just consider that question. Why? What were they after? What were they buying? Certainly to them it was not just a local issue, an Austin-based issue. A larger, more important campaign was being waged.
Now they have left. Immediately. To make a point.
But consider: The model of these companies is that wherever you go in the world you should be able to use their services. This model does not work if coverage is sporadic, unavailable in any community with the backbone to not let them dictate the rules, denied to any local government that they feel overly regulates them.
If these ridesharing companies withdraw from markets where they don’t like the pushback, it means their service is sporadic and inconsistent. It also opens these markets to their competitors, giving them a remarkable business advantage. Uber and Lyft can only afford to exercise this strategy of withdrawal and “punishment” now, in the very early stages of their growth. How many markets can they not be in? How many choice areas can they leave unprotected to their ever-increasing, ever more daring competitors? Especially in Austin – the 10-gallon, taco-and-ribs Silicon Valley, home to SXSW.
Even in their tantrum response of leaving they are basically lying.
For those who voted yes, sorry you lost. But you did. The election is over. Nice that you keep fighting it out in comment posts. Great that you deride those who voted differently. Some of this is inspired – my favorite a claim by one poster, who in a previous comment had chided folks for being ignorant, that 45% to 55% hardly represented the will of the people. That displays either a misunderstanding or casual contempt for electoral politics.
Many who voted yes championed ideology over those companies’ aggressive carpetbagger politics.
At this point, we have to stop to point out that the notion of free markets is mostly a myth. There are lightly and heavily regulated markets. Regulation is not an insane, irrational addiction of liberals who can’t function unless tied to big government’s protective parent apron strings. Right and left wingers, progressives and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans passed restrictions and regulations because certain companies were undertaking actions that were not in the best interests of most citizens. Government is actually a remarkably civilized way we have of interacting with one another. The notion that private businesses would do a better job running the world misses that much of what government does came about because there were actions needed by the community that were not profitable. Still, private prisons and publicly traded utilities have shown that even when regulated, the open market doesn’t always work.
Currently I marvel at the demented poetry of liberal condemnation. Just say “liberal” to make your point; adding “stupid” or “evil” just drives it home. The left indulges in just as much name-calling but they lack the dazzling Esperanto poetic grace. Ignore arguments, abandon logic, dehumanize those with whom you disagree. Rush Limbaugh would be proud. The point is not to out-argue or out-think your opponent, and certainly not to reason with them or try to persuade them. It is to display such contempt for their beliefs that they will know in their hearts, as you know in yours, that you are just plain better than them.
Rather than capitulate, the citizens of Austin voted to maintain their integrity and dignity. Now many fellow citizens are castigating them for the choice. Better to give in to bullying?
But it is probably all pointless. Given their disinterest in actually governing the state, the Legislature is probably thrilled that their favorite target is again ripe to be taught a lesson. Insisting they are ideological – embracing good old American conservative values – instead our state reps search out easy media poses on big questions so it looks like they are doing something. They believe in personal freedom and keeping the government off your back and out of your life – unless you are a pregnant woman. They believe in local control – unless it is a municipality that passes laws it does not like. They believe in equality for those who are equal – but not for those who are not equal. Ignoring the difficult question and true problems facing us – budget shortfalls, the shortage of government services, the slowly failing transportation superstructure, and the problems with education – our state reps get to splendidly grandstand. Committed to smash-and-grab legislation that wows the hometown voters, expect them to intervene.
This article appears in May 13 • 2016.