Phrase I hate: "Give back." As in, "Home Depot gives back."
Give back what I wonder? Companies are under no obligation to do anything. No one owes anyone squat in life. Callous I suppose but a reality.
Saying a company must "give back" implies they took something wrongfully in the first place. A company provides good services to free consumers in exchange for money. It's a simple, uncoerced transaction based on rational economic behavior. They sell, the consumer buys what it needs. Everyone moves on. It's inconsequential how much a company makes. If it makes a lot, assuming it doesn't have a monopoly supported by the state, it means it has something unique people want to reach into their pockets for.
Besides, companies already "give back" in the form of sponsorship, charity etc. They're well integrated in communities, sporting events and a host of other things.
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By the way, people do realize corporations as set up are constructs of the state, right? Charters are legally legitimized by government.
Here in Canada, are our most famous corporation is the Hudson's Bay Company.
That a company provides jobs for employees and goods and services for buyers seems of little importance to some. The "give back to the community" scheme is really a P.R. job in response to a shakedown.
ReplyDeleteYes, I overlooked the fact they provide jobs and income.
ReplyDeleteIt may an inconventient truth to them. But the single FACT.