February 1, 2017
NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the employer.
I believe that the "Conflict Minerals Rule" as it is written in the Dodd-Frank Act should not only be supported but should be strengthened. I believe that doing the right thing should not be a political issue and history has proven that corporations are not apt to do the right thing unless there are penalties otherwise. To say that it will ruin or has unduly burdened companies I believe is short sited as growth is always uncomfortable.
American companies can be the most innovative in the world, but they are currently resting on the laurels of a past and dying way of doing business. Business models that do not include sustainability AND keep the human toll of its operations in check will not only fail, but will become a national security issue. Allowing American businesses to pillage other countries resources unchecked smacks of corporate colonialism.
The weather on the ground is changing. Consumers are more aware than ever of how their purchasing is affecting those on the back end of the items they choose. They are purchasing sustainable and ethically sourced goods when given the choice and have proven that they are willing to pay a little more for said goods. Not only this, but the rest of the world is beginning to have more regulations regarding natural resources like 3TG but include more minerals and more regions of the world.
Whether we like it or not, we are part of the global economy and that means that we have to answer to more than just the shareholders for any unsavory business practices. As part of the global economy, we need the Conflict Minerals Rule to be strengthened to make sure that our corporations are not behaving in such a manner as to create jihadist or terrorist that would seek to harm us.
Thank you for your time and consideration.