Abundance: A Critique of Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's Manifesto

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's *Abundance* argues that the US government is inefficient and needs to prioritize providing more resources like housing, clean energy, and high-speed rail. While the book effectively highlights the flaws of current systems, particularly in housing where zoning regulations hinder development, it lacks a concrete policy agenda. The authors' call for 'abundance' is too broad, failing to address crucial trade-offs and the potential for abuse of power in streamlining processes. The hypocrisy of figures like Marc Andreessen, advocating for building while opposing multi-family housing near his home, underscores the book's shortcomings. Ultimately, *Abundance* avoids the messy realities of politics and policy-making, leaving the reader with inspiring rhetoric but little practical guidance on achieving its ambitious goals.