Right, I get that, but I’m talking about the perception of EA (optics) as viewed from the outside (as is OP). Looking at the meta-level: will EA’s impact be maximal if it is politically opposed? I’m playing devil’s advocate: it looks a bit suspicious if we conclude that the best way to have an impact is mostly to pay already privileged people high salaries. Especially given global inequality (hence the suggestion of GiveDirectly). Why not be in a strong position to counter this by saying we’re also taking significant steps to combat global poverty?
Right, I get that, but I’m talking about the perception of EA (optics) as viewed from the outside (as is OP). Looking at the meta-level: will EA’s impact be maximal if it is politically opposed? I’m playing devil’s advocate: it looks a bit suspicious if we conclude that the best way to have an impact is mostly to pay already privileged people high salaries. Especially given global inequality (hence the suggestion of GiveDirectly). Why not be in a strong position to counter this by saying we’re also taking significant steps to combat global poverty?