As Will Rogers observed (close to 100 years ago), we have the best Congress money can buy. The Supreme Court — in Citizens United and McCutcheon — seems to believe that, too.
Yet, at its heart, though corporate financial support of candidates may ensure access if those candidates are elected, the primary objective is stability. More than favorable laws (which may help companies while endangering the public), businesses want to know what to expect. With that knowledge, they can plan their strategies and tactics for the future… with or without restrictive regulations.
Insurrection, anarchy, sedition… they’re the most extreme causes of instability. So, naturally, businesses don’t like them.
In 2021, however, following a developing trend over the past decade, corporations recognize that consumers expect more than good products and services. Young consumers, especially, want to feel that those corporations are not harming the environment, not contributing to social inequity, and not being part of the problem. With clear outrage among the general public and with elected officials condemning incitement that led to the attack on the Capitol, CEOs are both among the affected and aware of the bottom line impact of neutrality.
Removing or suspending political contributions, however, is only one weapon, but it’s not the most important. If CEOs truly want to ensure stability by lessening the adversarial relationship between liberals and conservatives, whites and non-whites, white supremacists and BLM supporters, and members of Congress, they have to stop supporting the merchants of mendacity. They have to stop advertising on Fox News and Sinclair stations, on talk radio that traffics in untruths, and on websites that promote disproved conspiracies.
If money talks, this is the best speech that a CEO can make.
Yet, at its heart, though corporate financial support of candidates may ensure access if those candidates are elected, the primary objective is stability. More than favorable laws (which may help companies while endangering the public), businesses want to know what to expect. With that knowledge, they can plan their strategies and tactics for the future… with or without restrictive regulations.
Insurrection, anarchy, sedition… they’re the most extreme causes of instability. So, naturally, businesses don’t like them.
In 2021, however, following a developing trend over the past decade, corporations recognize that consumers expect more than good products and services. Young consumers, especially, want to feel that those corporations are not harming the environment, not contributing to social inequity, and not being part of the problem. With clear outrage among the general public and with elected officials condemning incitement that led to the attack on the Capitol, CEOs are both among the affected and aware of the bottom line impact of neutrality.
Removing or suspending political contributions, however, is only one weapon, but it’s not the most important. If CEOs truly want to ensure stability by lessening the adversarial relationship between liberals and conservatives, whites and non-whites, white supremacists and BLM supporters, and members of Congress, they have to stop supporting the merchants of mendacity. They have to stop advertising on Fox News and Sinclair stations, on talk radio that traffics in untruths, and on websites that promote disproved conspiracies.
If money talks, this is the best speech that a CEO can make.
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