UnEqual Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights
Published April 04, 2004
Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights is a book that I got as a gift from a fan of mine for my birthday.
Let me just say now, if you can get your hands on this book- new, used, at the library, as a gift, do so. The title is alarmist and is bound to put off a most hard nosed conservatives and capitalists which is a shame as that this book is well researched with copious notes and presents the current state of affairs in a historical and logical progression.
The book to me doesn't show so much to me the "theft of human rights" as the gradual evolution of the corporation attaining "person status" and "super-rights". It explains how corporations legally abuse some of the rights granted to them at the detriment to individuals. It does a good job of laying out why there are such contentions over the big business, the global economy and why the America of today may not exactly be what our founders had in mind. Believe it or not, I think Libertarians and people who truly understand and appreciate democracy will find a lot of interesting tidbit in this tome.
My copy of the book is dog eared and highlighted with notes all over. If I had my way, this book would be required reading in freshman college classes. I honestly believe it is that insightful.
Once again, pick up a copy of this book if you can, give it a chance... for such a dry topic, Thom Hartman does an excellent job of holding one's interest and guiding one along the path of how Americans and the World has come to the present state of affairs.
- UnEqual Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights
- Published: April 04, 2004
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- Section: Books
- Writer: Ms. Tek
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Of course, you can also just order a copy of "Office Space" and see what they are talking about while laughing at the same time.
Granted, I have not read the book, but I have to wonder if things are not better now that we have better controls on corporations than at any time in history. Just review Sarbanes Oxley and you'll see what I'm talking about.
My company made Sarbanes Oxley a mandatory class for everyone in the company. What did I learn? That if my company does even the slightest thing wrong, I have direct access to federal authorities to request an investigation.
As I said, I'm not trying to say there are no issues, but most companies in the US are formed from individuals who take their dream and grow it into medium-sized businesses, then into large companies. Those companies are far more prevalant than the Enrons of the world.
Thanks.
David
David, maybe you should just read the book before telling people to watch DVDs, etc.
If you haven't read it, then you cannot pass judgement on what is better to watch or read. If you had read the book then I could understand you wanting to give other examples. You have not so who are you to say "watch office space".
I really cannot understand your logic.
It was meant to be a bit humorous. A swing and a miss I see.
I'm not trying to pass judgement, I was just asking a question.
Thanks.
David
A factoid that supports the book: Of the world's 100 largest economies, 51 are now corporations, only 49 are nation-states.
Look at the goings on on Capitol Hill to see what the repercussions of that fact are - think "corporate welfare in return for campaign contributions."
And it's non-partisan: Archer-Daniels-Midland ("the customer is our enemy"), for instance, gets much of its billions of dollars of gravy thanks to Democrat Tom Daschle (aided and abetted by several Republicans and a few other Dems).
It's and EXCELLENT book. It's not partisan... it just states things as they are.
I can't believe what you say Ms. T
ek....
You should also read "The Divine Right of Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy", by Marjorie Kelly. (www.divinerightofcapital.com) Not only does she discuss corporate abuse and why it happens, but also the sories of those who have fought back, and the few corporations who have seen that life and work is more than just about the bottom line.
Uh, 'stories', that is.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/14376)
A documentary on similar issues , The Corporation will start opening in the US in June and has already opened in Canada. There also is companion book.