Oh please. Most aerospace innovations were paid for by the government (through contracts with companies, sure, but all of those companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin took government subsidies that taxpayers paid for). I'm sure Bezos et al just piggybacked on most of those innovations for free for their joyrides. Also, Blue Origin employs all of 3,500 people. Big whoop. Meanwhile he's beating local governments down everywhere to get municipal tax breaks and subsidies for his data centers and warehouses.

I disagree with you, but I thank you for making the comment. Good luck achieving your own space ride someday.