Essay: "If It Doesn't Make Money Does It Make Sense?"

Essay: "If It Doesn't Make Money Does It Make Sense?"

In the corporate world, especially in this country, if it doesn't make money it doesn't make sense. Many conservative politicians have the same attitude about governing this country. Corporations exist to turn a profit, not to make the world a better place. However, a lot of worthwhile activities make little or no money, but are still very much worthwhile and worth pursuing. Many of these activities enrich the lives, add to the culture, and perhaps make the world a much better and interesting place than it would be without them. A good example of this are art, music, poetry and literature. Another example is humanitarianism, philanthropy, and ecological concern and action. In the case of ecology of the natural environment, the best interest of everyone is often at odds with the business goal of making money and turning a profit. In my view, especially when it comes to dirty and potentially dangerous fossil fuels and toxic chemicals; it is better for industry to lose money than for future BP-like disasters to occur or for citizens and others to get sick or die due to corporate malfeasance whether intentional or not. In another instance, in the case of health insurance and health care, an individual or family should never have to suffer, go broke, end up on the streets, or die due to a lack of or inadequate insurance; or so a hospital or insurance company can turn a profit or enrich their senior management to an exorbitant extent. If right-wing politicians and judges had their way, have-nots aka the poor would be at the mercy of ruthless corporate so-called "market" whims. Admittedly, some liberal and moderate pols endorse this attitude because they think it will help them get reelected. (tbc?)