I can't really quibble with this article from AOL Daily Finance, especially since I've taken shots at several of these companies myself:
When a big company gains enough momentum that its direction becomes self-sustaining, its influence can ripple through society with a bevy of positive consequences -- like the creation of jobs, the spread of ideas, and a general improvement in living standards.Details are at the link, but here are the shameful five:
But capitalism -- like any other -ism -- is far from a perfect system. Along with a host of American companies that we should view with pride, there are a number that have created situations we think are downright evil. For exploitative behaviors that harm customers, employees, shareholders and the general public, these companies (and one whole industry) have earned their seats on the corporate netherworld's board of shame.
5. WalmartMy only quibble is that I would place Nos. 4 and 5 at 1 and 2.
4. Goldman Sachs
3. Cigarette Industry
2. Chesapeake Energy
1. Monsanto
Bonus: A commodity that is in all too short supply these days
Come on Bill, Monsanto works really hard to deserve that number 1 spot.
ReplyDeleteI'm really at a three-way tie between 1,4 and 5, as they each destroyed a segment of the world. Monsanto took over food growth
ReplyDeletewith Roundup and GMO. Goldman blew up the financial world by holding a gun to the world's head, and doing the Richard Pryor thing from "Blazing Saddles". Walmart destroyed small-town merchants,the backbone of small towns. And jobs. Now it's all gone. To the low bidder. It was a lovely country while it lasted.
So, which ones would you view with pride, Bill? Would be interested to know.
ReplyDeletep.s. I thought pride was a sin.