Email to SZ:
No, you wouldn't go out and smoke, but then you aren't "average" either. People can and should think for themselves, but they shouldn't be led to slaughter. If everyone was a smart as you, you wouldn't have risen to the rank you've gained in society. Should everyone else have to be sucker punched because they weren't gifted with your brains?
Coca-cola used to put cocaine in it's soft drinks - why make them stop? Sure, cars are dangerous, but they aren't inherently unhealthy, are they? So you think we should allow unregulated cigarette advertisements? Even though that means more minors will smoke (most susceptible group) and that nicotine is more addictive than heroine? Should all drugs be legalized? (I used to be a Libertarian dear - know one when I hear him;) Having children has changed my tune a bit...)
What about Mexico City - pollution so bad that thousands die every year, especially children and elderly citizens. Is this ok for corporations to do in the pursuit of almighty profit? Even happens closer to home in Asheville - doctors have formed a coalition to combat the pollution that kills many in W.NC.
I view government's role as one of protector - from foreign aggression and corporate greed. True, it needs to be kept in check. I used to depend on Republicans to do that, but lately they've become the fox in the hen house.
Unfortunately, people are irresponsible, but as individuals they don't manage to do nearly as much damage, as say, the makers of the Ford Pinto or Savannah River Plant (reeking radioactive materials for Georgia Power (not sure if right utility).
So yes, the answer is both - people need to be more responsible and so do corporations. Problem is, corporations don't go to jail. And corporate officers rarely do.
I don't have anything against profit per se, just abuse of power and profits. Healthcare isn't like all other industries. It's critical to our existence. We don't allow privatized water utilities for a reason - water is necessary for life. Why do we allow a private healthcare system that won't take care of all citizens equally?
Ok - I'll stop too. Let me know about Sunday!
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 1:58 PM
To: Jones, Vicki
One last thing....and I promise to shut up...haha...the problem with todays society is that no one is willing to accept responsibility for their own actions. Thats why we are the most litigious society in the world... To believe that people can't think for themselves is a cop-out and an acceptance of the very system that you strive to change......People make decisions every day of their life, big and small. At the end of the day, people will do what they want to do and corporations only foster that. In otherwords, just becuase I see an advertiusement for a cigarette I'm not going to go out and smoke one....its not what I want, no matter how much a corporation tries to say otherwise. But for the person that does make that decision, there was a need that they wanted satisfied that they felt could be solved by that cigarette, so at the end of the day they made a decision..........Is it right for a company to knowingly market a prodicut that is defective or dangerous in some fashion...on the surface- No. But then you have to define those characteristics, and when you do, perhaps automobiles should be considered dangerous, since they kill so many people.. maybe corporations shouldn't be allowed to advertise since people are mindless automotons (that ain't spelled right..)......Again, at the end of the day it all comes down to a system of checks and balances........oh well....I'm done for the day....whew!!
SZ
Posted by Vicki at September 27, 2003 08:27 PM