Credit where credit is (well maybe) due?
Interesting report tonight on NPR's "Marketplace" - describing some of WallMart's efforts to help Katrina victims. (not sure if the link is up yet). As one of the interviewees asks: Does support for relief efforts make up for long-standing exploitative policies (my words - his answer was "no")? Should publicity campaign-oriented (apparently millions of dollars worth) charity not be applauded because it is directed at improving fat cats' bottom line? Well, admittedly, it would be hard to convince charity recipients of the logic of such an argument.
Obviously WallMart calculated that they are going to increase their return on equity more by channeling that money towards Katrina-relief related publicity than they would from channeling it towards any kind of pro-labor-related publicity. It's all about what is more likely to increase sales.
But I'm not sure that answers the question. Since, in the end they're just going to stick it to some of those same recipients through more labor exploitation, I'd say "no" also. But I want to ask those among us who think that it is possible to be pro-capitalism and progressive at the same time (yes, I know you're out there), what you think.
posted by Dumplingeater @ 9/14/2005
2 comments
2 Comments:
Well, Kant argued that an act has to be done from the motive of duty for it to be moral, so I guess he wouldn't give Walmart much credit. I would probably say it's good they did the charity, but their labor policies are bad. But what disturbs me is the message that the free market system is better at responding to events than the government because the government is slow and ineffectual but capitalism (because of the profit motive) is fast and responsive and good.
Well, that is the Mantra of the right- that we hear over and over. And it goes largely undebated and unattacked from the Democratic party. Methinks we're losing the war between those who advocate a "free-market" solution to intrenched problems, and those who believe in government-supported solutions. And Democrats are doing precious little to offer viable strategies to fight that war. As important as a whole host of other issues are, this issue may be more important, and the Republicans are winning it with a stealth strategy. The cover may have been pulled back a bit with the failure of FEMA to handle disaster relief, but that was only a minor battle, and the right is advancing their front line (whew, time to let that analogy drop).
Post a Comment
<< Home