Editor, The Record:
In simple terms, corporations exist for one reason only and that is to maximize profits. Their pathological self-interested nature was tolerable when governments of we, the people, were able to maintain the checks and balances on their excesses. Modified capitalism worked well, especially in comparison to the current form of capitalism that is rampaging without oversight and regulations to inhibit its carnage on society, the environment, and workers’ rights around the world.
But that wasn't good enough for the one per cent who see themselves as the only truly entitled class as envisioned by Ann Rand who preached that only complete ruthlessness in the pursuit of profit over human welfare was the true morality to strive for. And with the zeal of an irrational religion, they succeeded beyond their own wildest dreams.
The pathologic corporate model of doing business is out of control. It has tirelessly worked to push wages down and have governments in their back pockets.
The pathologic corporations and their champions like Prime Minister Stephen Harper truly hate democracy as it impedes the corporate agenda. Unlike you and I, who only have one vote, these mega corporations count each dollar as a vote which justifies in their minds that they have the right to crush democracy, the social safety net, health standards, working conditions, and so on. And their multi-billion votes are what are sapping the will for people to reassert their right to control the common good as all levels of government work for them and not us.
Harper is ideologically driven in his support — reaffirmed at Davos — of unrestrained capitalism. But, in the end, it will not matter how far he pushes the country down as it will never be enough to satisfy the corporations who refuse to recognize the rights of citizens or even borders. We don't play ball, they leave the country and destroy entire communities, without a hint of remorse. What's happening with the locomotive plant workers in London, Ont., is a perfect example of our future with Harper as our prime minister.
Joel Bakan in his book, The Corporation, outlines its pathological pursuit of profit and power and several options for repairing the damage that corporate America has done to democracies around the world and which now threatens us.
If you can't at least make the effort to read his book and become informed on why things are the way they are and how to fix them, then what hope does Canada have?
Robert T. Rock
Mission