Jeff Bezos in space: Critics slam Amazon tax affairs and worker treatment
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, you’ll be aware that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos just completed an 11 minute journey to space aboard his company Blue Origin's New Shepard launch vehicle.
He was accompanied by Mark Bezos, his brother, Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pioneer of the space race, and an 18-year-old student.
During a news conference, billionaire Bezos thanked “every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all of this."
Enter his many, many critics who were quick to point out that Amazon workers have complained of poor working conditions, long hours and low pay. Customers are also getting a bum deal.
Oh, and the e-commerce giant doesn’t pay its fair share of taxes.
US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had this to say.
Whilst Senator Elizabeth Warren called for a wealth tax.
Representative Earl Blumenauer, meanwhile, put the case for a tax on space travel.
Bezos was also roasted by comedians Trevor Noah and Conan O’Brien.
OMG!
When asked how it felt going into space, Bezos, who recently vacated the role of Amazon CEO, stated: "Oh my God! My expectations were high and they were dramatically exceeded."
Zero gravity felt "so normal", although he could now vouch for the earth's fragility.
"We're damaging it," he said, adding that being able to see the planet's atmosphere for himself was "very profound".
“This was a monumental day for Blue Origin and human spaceflight,” said Bob Smith, CEO, Blue Origin.
“I am so incredibly proud of Team Blue, their professionalism, and expertise in executing this flight. This was a big step forward for us and is only the beginning.”
Blue Origin expects to fly two more crewed flights this year, with more crewed flights planned for 2022.
