Republicans in Georiga, Texas, and elsewhere are irrationally out of touch with what's happening in the country. When big companies are speaking out against voter suppression and Republicans (REPUBLICANS!) are seeking to punish them, there's a disconnect with reality. The big question is what's the next step? The companies aren't going …
Republicans in Georiga, Texas, and elsewhere are irrationally out of touch with what's happening in the country. When big companies are speaking out against voter suppression and Republicans (REPUBLICANS!) are seeking to punish them, there's a disconnect with reality. The big question is what's the next step? The companies aren't going to pack up and leave places like Atlanta and Dallas. Instead, they're going to devote their sizable lobbying efforts to influence Congress. And that may be enough to sufficient push the Manchins and Sinemas to finally oppose the filibuster.
It's the ultimate in selfishness. They, and people like them, must be allowed to do whatever they want, without interference or restriction. David Frum at The Atlantic writes about it in "The Strange New Doctrine of the Republican Party. The GOP’s version of freedom puts greater priority on right-wing cultural folkways than on rights of property and ownership."
But think about this, Coca-Cola's headquarters and lab is in Atlanta but its products are made and bottled in plants around the world. It owns a huge percentage of the carbonic distribution (CO2 to pump fountain drinks) in the US. So realistically, Coca-Cola could up and.move its HQ to a friendlier environment. And, the fact is, the people who run Coca-Cola are not necessarily Georgians. Coca-Cola doesn't really need to be in Atlanta because they are already everywhere. Literally. The same is true for every other Georgia based large business. Pulling out of Georgia would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. Is it realistic to think they would pull out? No, but if large companies in Georgia and the rest of the country would band together and stand up against the Republican Voter Suppression Agenda by withdrawing financial support and threatening to go elsewhere things would change quickly.
The same goes for a ton of other large businesses in the other voter suppression states. Airlines might have a difficult time pulling out quickly because they rely on a ridiculous hub system but, can you imagine Delta and American threatening to pull their hubs out of Georgia and Texas respectively? Legislators believe they have the upper hand. Corporations and voter/consumers need to leverage their authority starting today. It would be far more effective than writing to Congress Critters because, frankly, the suppressor don't care how many letters they get. They do care about $$$, however.
I'm rambling in my semi sleep state. It's 4.34 where I am. See you when the sun rises!
It is always about the $$$$. Political lobbying efforts by large corps can be targeted and VERY effective. As soon as these companies discover that the talent they need won't move to/live in these divisive cities, it all goes 'fall down, go boom'.
According to an email reply I received, a number of them did meet with legislatures and state their objections to voter suppression. I don't think. however, that they may also have withdrawn their patronage ($$$).
All in all, the corporate response has been pretty mild, though. Strong words fade away. They need to hit the pols where they live: donations from these corporations must go away and they must make noises about leaving the state. Other corporations have abandoned states before (though admittedly almost always over taxation, not politics).
Republicans in Georiga, Texas, and elsewhere are irrationally out of touch with what's happening in the country. When big companies are speaking out against voter suppression and Republicans (REPUBLICANS!) are seeking to punish them, there's a disconnect with reality. The big question is what's the next step? The companies aren't going to pack up and leave places like Atlanta and Dallas. Instead, they're going to devote their sizable lobbying efforts to influence Congress. And that may be enough to sufficient push the Manchins and Sinemas to finally oppose the filibuster.
From your lips, to all the gods and goddesses ears. End the filibuster. ❤️🤍💙
Republicans EVERYWHERE are out of touch.
It's the ultimate in selfishness. They, and people like them, must be allowed to do whatever they want, without interference or restriction. David Frum at The Atlantic writes about it in "The Strange New Doctrine of the Republican Party. The GOP’s version of freedom puts greater priority on right-wing cultural folkways than on rights of property and ownership."
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/04/sudden-conservative-outrage-over-vaccine-passports/618476/
It is a good article. I subscribe to The Atlantic, and always read Frum's articles.
Yes, I thought this was a very good article. Thanks for posting the link.
We can hope that the economic threat to Delta and to Coca-Cola leads to a reaction greater than lip service here.
Delta and Coca-Cola have come out and said the right words. But what are they going to DO?
Exactly.
I hope they will fight the good fight. We need their lobbying efforts.
I sure hope you’re right and I think you are. These corporations in Georgia aren’t leaving.
But think about this, Coca-Cola's headquarters and lab is in Atlanta but its products are made and bottled in plants around the world. It owns a huge percentage of the carbonic distribution (CO2 to pump fountain drinks) in the US. So realistically, Coca-Cola could up and.move its HQ to a friendlier environment. And, the fact is, the people who run Coca-Cola are not necessarily Georgians. Coca-Cola doesn't really need to be in Atlanta because they are already everywhere. Literally. The same is true for every other Georgia based large business. Pulling out of Georgia would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. Is it realistic to think they would pull out? No, but if large companies in Georgia and the rest of the country would band together and stand up against the Republican Voter Suppression Agenda by withdrawing financial support and threatening to go elsewhere things would change quickly.
The same goes for a ton of other large businesses in the other voter suppression states. Airlines might have a difficult time pulling out quickly because they rely on a ridiculous hub system but, can you imagine Delta and American threatening to pull their hubs out of Georgia and Texas respectively? Legislators believe they have the upper hand. Corporations and voter/consumers need to leverage their authority starting today. It would be far more effective than writing to Congress Critters because, frankly, the suppressor don't care how many letters they get. They do care about $$$, however.
I'm rambling in my semi sleep state. It's 4.34 where I am. See you when the sun rises!
It is always about the $$$$. Political lobbying efforts by large corps can be targeted and VERY effective. As soon as these companies discover that the talent they need won't move to/live in these divisive cities, it all goes 'fall down, go boom'.
Yes I sure wish the corporations would continue to make a stand against anti democratic repugs by not funding them.
You make some good points, especially about the loss of jobs if corporations leave a state.
I wonder why these corps didn't speak up or quietly lobby when this bill was being considered, not after it passed into a law! They're a day late.
According to an email reply I received, a number of them did meet with legislatures and state their objections to voter suppression. I don't think. however, that they may also have withdrawn their patronage ($$$).
The email is from Coca Cola.
All in all, the corporate response has been pretty mild, though. Strong words fade away. They need to hit the pols where they live: donations from these corporations must go away and they must make noises about leaving the state. Other corporations have abandoned states before (though admittedly almost always over taxation, not politics).