Being an Activist Capitalist

While I tend to be cynical of the view that free market capitalism is God-inspired and perfect in all its ways, I do believe it is the best system to provide the maximum benefit for the most number of people.  Left to its own, the invisible hand inevitably exploits some and leaves others behind and it the responsibility of a society to correct these problems.

However, the bigger problem is not with capitalism itself, but with the particular breed of corporate capitalism that seems to dominate the American landscape – valueless capitalism.  In this framework, the only thing that matters is the bottom line.  As I am constantly reminded by my mercantile friends, the job of the CEO is to maximize shareholder value, not to do what is right.  This to me is a fallacy that treats money as an end rather than a means.  Money on its own is worthless.  Money has worth only insofar as it is able to improve life.  Too often businesses make money but decrease the quality of life for so many who are involved. 

To ammend this situation, I propose we buy with our values.  We purchase from companies that have quality of life as their top goal, rather than making money.  This is more than a feel good strategy, but a means to overcoming poverty as well.  Poverty cannot be overcome through welfare and charity alone.  It takes business to provide good jobs, to sustain local economies and ecosystems, and invest in their neighborhoods.  Many companies buy only from local farmers (Ben & Jerry’s).  Many donate heavily to churches and charities (Chic Fil-A).  Many provide health benefits to even low-level employees (dare I say Starbucks).  Many even require employees to volunteer in the community (Timberland).  Quality of life is the goal and healthy communities are built, rather than bank accounts simply being increased.  These are all national brands, which are not bad, but I suggest you research your local businesses, which have an even greater ability to do communal good.  

Call me a liberal, but I am pro-business.  I just also believe in radical social change.  I believe in tithing and I believe in charity, but I also believe we must support systemic changes that can sustain and revitalize communities.  This way, the poor do not just have a meal to eat, but a well-paying job to go to, a city park to play in, and adequate housing for their family.  These are quality of life issues that valueless capitalism will not address.  We must support the companies that will, those that see quality of life as more important than the bottom line.  We must buy with our values.  We must be…Activist Capitalists!