Oct. 31, 2018
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission should require corporate managers to be honest with their shareholders about how they are planning for the long term. Shareholders have a right to know if oil executives are trying to buy off politicians to slow progress on addressing climate change. They also have a right to know whether the company is cultivating diversity on its board or moving profits abroad to avoid paying taxes in the U.S. These are just a few examples of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks that the SEC should require public companies to disclose to their shareholders and the public. There have been times when US corporations considered themselves participating citizens, partly responsible for the welfare and financial health of the community. That is a constructive and mutually beneficial position for all; essential for a sustained citizenry. Fair assessment of 2018s operating policies and economic model reveals little of this in practice. Money is still buying elections and dictating policy, but, historicallly, public tolerance is finite, and if the imminent midterms fall short of reflecting the general malaise (desperation), major restoration will come; assuming Oligarks haven't managed to eliminate the popular vote. And you're talking to a Conservative worthy of the label, Thank you for considering my comment. James Dauerty