This week, instead of talking about what a bad player Spectrum is, (and it is, no matter how many corporate shills write in) perhaps we might be better served by
taking a look at how it works when good players get into the game. Interestingly enough, when good players enter the game, everybody wins.
I know that often, especially when we are describing some of the bitter battles in which we are engaged with corporate America, the conversation tends to create something of a doom and gloom atmosphere. Well, the truth is, all is not lost. Let me offer my heartfelt thanks to one of last night’s guests, Alexander Schmidt, Attorney- at -Law, for introducing us to the “B” Corporation.
The “B” Corporation is the Benefit Corporation, and is committed to something more than just profits to shareholders. Notice that I say “more than.” It doesn’t fall into the trap of dichotomous thinking, about which I so often complain, by trying to rid the world of corporations. It recognizes that creating corporations is a legitimate tool for creating wealth and alleviating poverty. Nor does it give itself over to the emotional pandering of what I, not so lovingly, refer to as “the fractured left. Instead, it uses a common-sense, ethically based (and dare I use the word) moderate approach to what are two genuine problems in America today: corporate greed and shortsightedness. The “B” corporation does not subscribe to the theories that a) higher profits are all that matters, or that b) the next quarter is the only quarter that counts. What it does subscribe to is the following, in their own words:
The B Corp Declaration of Interdependence:
We envision an economy that uses business as a force for good.
This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation – the B corporation
which is purpose driven and creates benefits for all stakeholders,
not just shareholders.
As B Corporations, and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
That we must be the change we seek in the world.
That all business ought to be conducted as though people and place mattered.
That through their products practices and profits business should aspire to do no harm and benefit all
To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
Just in case you were tempted to give yourself over to the notion that “ sure it’s a nice notion, but it’s all just “pie in the sky,” you should know that over 1,000 companies in 29 different nations around the world have joined this movement, and the idea is growing.
Maybe it’s time for us to stop bemoaning the fact that we are dealing with a global economy, stop trying to put things back the way they were, accept the fact that change is inevitable and effect the change that works for us. There was a time in our history when we accepted slave labor, indentured servitude, an economic system totally devoid of any social safety net and a system of suffrage and education that was restricted to only the most powerful members of our society. Today, most of us look back on each of those issues, and with a sigh of disbelief disassociate ourselves from any blame for what happened “back then.”
Well, that’s fine, but we live today, and there are opportunities to be on the right side of history. We can participate. We can be part of the change. I intend to be, and I urge you to join me. Find out more at: https://www.bcorporation.net/what-are-b-corps. Let’s all be the best that we can “B.”
