Introduction to the Dilemma: Corporations vs. Governments

The fear and skepticism surrounding corporations often overshadow their counterparts, the governments. This dichotomy is intriguing and warrants a closer look. Why do people fear entities that cannot directly wage war, draft citizens, or incarcerate without governmental assistance? The answers lie in several economic and social dynamics. This article explores these factors to provide a deeper understanding.

Understanding the Barriers to Access

Barriers to Representation: Firstly, the barring of entry to voting is a significant factor. Unlike elections where the general public can choose government officials based on their preferences, the same cannot be said for corporations. Voting at shareholders’ meetings to determine a corporation’s policies is a hurdle that most individuals find unattainable. This discrepancy often leads to a lack of direct control over corporate actions, fostering fear and mistrust.

Economic and Political Dynamics

Economic Influence and Governance: The concept of corporatocracy is pivotal. Corporatocracy refers to an economic and political system controlled by corporations or corporate interests. In the current context, particularly in the United States, corporatocracy is understood as a system where corporate entities wield significant control over economic and political policies. This control can manifest in various ways, from lobbying to influencing public opinion.

While governments have the authority to wage war, draft citizens into service, and enforce legal penalties, corporations can still cause substantial harm. They influence job markets, shape economic policies, and even influence individuals at an economic level. For instance, low-wage jobs and poor working conditions are common in many corporate environments, leaving employees with little choice but to accept suboptimal conditions to survive.

Corporate Control and Survival

Restriction of Economic Freedom: Corporations often control the means of survival for many individuals. Without work, individuals face the real threat of poverty and lack of resources to sustain basic needs. This dependency on corporate systems creates a form of economic control that can be as binding as governmental authority. While a government can incarcerate for law violations, a corporation can control access to essential resources, effectively acting as a form of 'economic exile'. This parallel underscores the extent to which corporations can influence and limit individual freedoms.

Further, the concept of 'alternate good' is relevant. In a corporate environment, low-wage jobs are not necessarily the most efficient means to acquire necessary resources. Corporations prioritize profits over individual well-being, often leading to exploitative practices. This mismatch between corporate interests and individual needs creates a sense of helplessness and fear among workers.

The Lack of Compassion in Corporatocracy

Lesser Compassion: A significant factor contributing to the fear of corporations is the perceived lack of compassion. Governments, even in the face of inadequate governance, often have mechanisms to provide some level of support to citizens. Jails, for instance, while harsh, are not designed to be lethal. In contrast, the harsh realities of corporate control, such as limited job options and severe economic penalties for non-participation, can be life-threatening.

The combination of economic power and the perceived lack of alternatives makes corporations as formidable as governments. While governments have the immediate power to wage war or draft citizens, it is the economic influence of corporations that can effectively dictate an individual's survival. This indirect power, combined with the lack of direct avenues for change, fosters a sense of vulnerability and fear.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the fear of corporations over governments stems from the interplay of economic dependency, limited representation, and the lack of a compassionate infrastructure. While governments have organs of control and safeguarding, corporations hold the keys to economic survival. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of modern governance and economic influence.

References

To further explore the topic, refer to the following sources:

"Corporatocracy" Link to Article Economic theories on corporate influence Link to Article Papers on corporate governance and worker rights Link to Article