"They (these giant corporations) have to behave. They are Frankensteins of our own creation. We've lost any semblance of a true democracy and we ought to take it personally," Nader told the crowd which came to Busboys and Poets tonight to hear him discuss his latest book and outline a plan for action.
Nader said all movements start when "people get a fire in their belly" and he hopes his new book entitled Getting Steamed to Overcome Corporatism: Build It to Win can help ignite that fire.
Employing no notes, Nader cited a litany of abuses caused by unchecked corporate greed. For example, he asked how can worker productivity have increased 25 times while poverty is also increasing. "Twenty-three million are un- or underemployed. One out of 3 workers in this country is making Walmart wages," Nader said.
Nader blamed corporations for "making the wrong things." Instead of focusing solely on profit, companies should be looking at producing still-profitable products that would lead to goals like a cleaner environment or better public transit. "But they're just making money for the sake of money," Nader charged.
The long-time activist also said that the money made is "very poorly distributed." As one example, Nader pointed to the fact that despite record corporate profits and outlandish bonus salaries for some, an estimated 800 Americans die each week because they can't afford proper health care.
Nader admitted that any fight to wrest power from corporations will be long and hard. He contended that current politicians are unwilling to limit or punish corporate activities because they rely on funding from such institutions to operate costly election campaigns. Also, many people suffer from "the syndrome of helplessness." And then, there is the current power of the corporations themselves, with their virtually inexhaustible resources to pay for sharp legal help, and, in a sense, purchase justice, Nader said.
"Let's face it, they are geniuses in concentrating corporate power, Nader said.
However, Nader said a battle of the people versus giant corporations can be won. "Our assets are immense," he said, citing the right to vote, to challenge in the courts, to whistle blow on abuses, to organize, to rally, to demonstrate, to march.
Throughout his talk, Nader praised the spirit, commitment, and work of the various Occupy groups such as the one that is camped out in DC. "One of the great slogans of the 21st Century will turn out to be the 99%," Nader said. "The occupation movement is a great innovation. They're doing things nobody can stop us from doing. But we haven't scratched the surface of our political creativity."
Toward the end of his talk, Nader explained how he believes opposition to corporate control could be established. In its simplest form, Nader's plan calls for seeking $100 and 100 hours of volunteer service from 1 milllion Americans who want to see change.
"Corporations that are too big to control, that are too big to tax, are too big to exist," Nader said. "Corporations must be our servants, not our masters."
Tales, Tidbits, and Tips
If you want to know more about Nader's plan, it is explained in full at the website for Center for Study of Responsible Law. Click here to find out more.
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