Many progressives argue that large corporations use their market power to promote their own financial agendas at the expense of “social advancement.” The facts tell a different story.
It is true that firms traditionally stayed on the sidelines with regard to social issues, leaving them to the people and their elected officials. But most Americans believe that firms have a “social responsibility” above and beyond the honest pursuit of profit. In fact, a recent survey by the Global Strategy Group reported that 78% of Americans want firms to be active in social policy. Companies like Hobby Lobby, Koch Industries, and Chick-fil-A have taken conservative or libertarian views on various issues in recent years, only to face vilification in the media and threats of boycotts from activists. These firms are the exceptions, however.
Seeking to avoid the attention of activists, many companies have become advocates for the progressive agenda. Apple’s support for gay rights is well known. Large firms and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have lobbied for legislation softening laws and enforcement with regard to illegal immigration. There are other examples as well.
Citing contradictions with its own human rights policies, Dow and Monsanto are fighting legislation in Indiana and Missouri that allow firms to deny same-sex couples certain benefits as a matter of religious freedom. Ironically, these companies have been on the receiving end of progressive vitriol for years. This fight is a convenient way for these companies to balance the ledger of perceptions and stay off of the boycott list.
The National Basketball Association even announced that it would relocate its 2017 all-star game from Charlotte if the State of North Carolina did not amend HB2, a measure that requires men and women to use public restrooms in accordance with the gender noted on their birth certificates. The NBA’s PC agenda has made it harder for me to watch the professional version of the game I love. It’s difficult to see why the league should seek to bully the NC governor and state legislature over this issue.
Overall, the political influence exerted by big business is mostly on the progressive side of issues today. Ironically, the left continues to castigate business as evil and the firms capitulate accordingly. But if anyone should be offended by the corporate political agenda, it should be the political right. Times have definitely changed.
Perhaps this is why more and more rank-and-file Republicans and Libertarians are actively opposing the corporate largesse. Perhaps this is why many are attracted to Donald Trump’s brand of populism.
Big business is in bed with both parties. Maybe it’s time for a third party???
It is ironic that the Democratic agenda depends on the capitalistic system it despises. They need money from somewhere and they’re out of options. They can’t get more from the middle class or the 45% who don’t pay income taxes so they go after the 1%, the hallmarks of the capitalistic system. They hate the wealth the system produces, but if somehow they could control it, well, that might work. Ah yes, maybe we could do it with social agenda intimidaton. Get them over to our way of thinking…They did it with education, the media, welfare, health care, first getting the camel’s nose under the tent. And now for the biggest prize of all – big business.
Absolutely, Arthur! If the Dems want $$$ for their agenda, they should be encouraging the capitalists to earn more so they can pay more taxes.
When Hobby Lobby refused to provide contraception they said that business should stay out of politics. It depends on which side you’re on.
Target stock has lost $2.5B since their new bathroom policy took effect. And the boycott is yet to come. Might say it’s down the toilet. Their stockholders aren’t happy. But that’s OK since they are only greedy capitalists. But you’ve got to hand it to Target. They back up their talk with action. Oh well there’s always Christmas season. Oops, forgot. At Target it’s Holiday Season.