In order to achieve the changes described above, it is clear that we must decrease the amount of influence that corporations wield in government and society in general. The reigning forces in our world should serve the interests of the common good, rather than the private interests of a wealthy few. Corporations should be accountable not only to shareholders, but also to, their workers, regulatory bodies, the communities in which they are embedded, and the natural world.
Toward this end we will study the history and design of the corporation to better understand its proper role in a just world. We will declare a separation of corporation and state and work for initiatives to decrease corporate influence in government, the media and our lives. We will work to stop reckless financial practices that exploit natural resources and people. We will help cultivate financial institutions that respect Earth’s limits and ensure economic participation with dignity for all people.
Books
Unequal protection: The rise of corporate dominance and the theft of human rights, by Thom Hartmann, Mythical Research, Inc. 2002
Defying corporations, defining democracy: A book of history and strategy, by Dean Ritz, The Apex Press, 2001
Gangs of New York: The rise of corporate power and the disabling of democracy, by Ted Nace, Berrett-Koehler Publisher, 2003
The divine right of capital: Dethroning the corporate aristocracy, by Marjorie Kelly, Berrett-Koehler Publisher, 2001
Patenting life? Stop! Is corporate greed forcing us to eat genetically engineered food?, by Sean McDonagh
Websites
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom – Corporations v. Democracy page with 10 part study packet
Reclaiming Democracy – News and commentary on political scene and government
Program on Corporations, Law and Democracy
Articles
Financialization of Nature, by Dave Kane
Call to Revoke Mining Company’s Charter
Societal Benefits Before Profits, by Pamela Haines
Land Grabbing Threatens Local Communities, by Sisters Aine O’Connor and Rita Parks
Pittsburgh Ordinance Limits Corporate Rights, by Pamela Haines
In Support of the Death Penalty, by Pamela Haines
Corporate Reform Could Unite Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party, by Dave Kane
The Strategic Corporate Initiative: Toward a global citizens’ movement to bring corporations back under control, from Yes! magazine
Maryknoll OGC NewsNotes special series: Corporations in the U.S.
