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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by AdmiralCrown11695
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Discussion Thread Reply: Political and International Contexts
Apologies for the length of this response, however, this is a subject that intrigues me. I
am willing to take the hit for the ability to provide a counterargument.
The intertwining of corporate interests with political activities is indeed a complex and
multifaceted issue that raises ethical questions about the balance between profit motives and
societal well-being. While I appreciate the perspective on Corporate Political Activity (CPA) and
its strategic dimensions, I would like to introduce a counterpoint that emphasizes the potential
ethical pitfalls in such practices. The case of Phillips Corporation, while showcasing the positive
aspect of corporate social responsibility, raises questions about the sincerity of motivations. The
strategic use of political influence to phase out traditional light bulbs may have had
environmental benefits, but it also highlights how corporations could exploit regulatory changes
for their competitive advantage.
In considering the biblical integration, the verse from Isaiah 1:17 underscores the
importance of seeking justice and correcting oppression. However, one might also turn to
Matthew 6:1, where it is stated, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people
in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in
heaven" (English Standard Version, 2023). This verse encourages a reflection on the authenticity
of corporate actions, cautioning against performing deeds for the sake of appearances. This
introduces the concept of ethical sincerity in corporate political activities. It prompts us to
consider not just the outcomes but also the motivations behind such actions. Are corporations
genuinely committed to justice and the greater good, or are these actions strategic maneuvers
to enhance their market position? Balancing strategic interests with ethical authenticity is
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essential in ensuring that corporate political activity aligns with principles of justice and fairness,
as advocated in both the Bible and broader ethical considerations.
In 2012, following the Citizens United decision, outside spending in political campaigns
tripled to over $1 billion, with Super PACs contributing more than $600 million. The Supreme
Court's 2014 McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission case eliminated aggregate limits on
election spending by corporations and other entities. Subsequent presidential races in 2016 and
2020 witnessed a continued increase in campaign contributions, with Hillary Clinton, Donald
Trump, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump raising substantial amounts, including significant
contributions from "dark money" sources (Lawrence, Weber, Hill, & Wasieleski, 2023, p. 175).
This contradicts the notion that major corporate finance is limited or that corporations have
shifted primarily to seeking individual CEO influence.
This data challenges the argument that corporate political action is primarily about
securing access to legislators rather than directly influencing elections. The substantial rise in
outside spending and the influx of dark money suggest that corporations continue to play a
substantial role in shaping electoral outcomes, even if the mechanisms and sources of their
influence have evolved.
“Money may shift legislators’ policy positions in a more conservative
direction, a troubling prospect for a democracy based on the foundational principle that
political influence is a property of citizenship, not of wealth” (Harvey & Taylor, 2022, p. 436).
The sheer scale of financial involvement in elections post the Citizens United decision indicates
a more profound impact on the political landscape than the claim that major corporate finance
into political action committees has been relatively small.
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References
Harvey, A., & Taylor, M. (2022). Does money have a conservative bias? Estimating the causal impact of
Citizens United on state legislative preferences.
Public Choice; Dordrecht, 191
(3-4), 417-441.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11127-019-00721-4
Lawrence, A., Weber, J., Hill, V. D., & Wasieleski, D. M. (2023).
Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics,
Public Policy
(Seventeenth ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.
Matthew 6:1. (2023).
English Standard Version
. Retrieved from English Standard Version Bible Online:
https://www.biblehub.com/matthew/6-1.htm
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