Corporate Autonomy Quotes
1st Baron Thurlow. This famous statement expressed the great concern and distrust that England had for corporations. Their worst fears were exceeded by the 20th century and was completely over the top by the 21st century when many corporations could control entire nations and even in America and the UK, they were very powerful and often acted against the public and even national interest with impunity. The chancellor was very concerned as to how the behavior of corporations would be controlled and regulated. For individuals, there was a combination of conscience and legal punishment to control behavior. Partnerships were an extension of individuals. But what was the corresponding mechanism for corporations? The same question is often asked in modern times when corporate scandals and excesses are brought to light. See {586120} for another version of this concern that was stated a few generations later.
Exxon Mobil is one of America’s largest corporations. It is headquartered in Texas, uses American Government funded research, functions under the protection of the U. S. abroad, benefits from the U. S. Navy keeping the oil sea lanes open and safe, and yet claims no obligation to the condition and future of the United States. It is one of the largest polluters in America and was responsible for the Exxon Valdez destruction of much of Alaska’s shores. And it benefits from special American tax breaks for oil companies, American pipelines and sells much of its products to the U. S. Government. It harasses environmental scientists who document their environmental impact. The company spends more money for lobbying American politicians and gives large donations to politicians and American political parties. Exxon Mobil violates the American Corrupt Practices Act and other American laws. No other large American corporation has taken such an unpatriotic position in modern times. Critics argue that if Foreign Governments are not allowed to donate money to influence American politics, why should this company which by its own admission does not function with American interests in mind.
This extreme view of regulation is one of the many views that caused the Nevada voters to reject her.
