There is a woman who worked for King Soopers, a local grocery store chain, for 16 years. She was up for her retirement at 20 years of service. Her daughter is in the military. When her daughter was stationed in Iraq for a year, the two grandchildren were left in the grandparents care. The woman pleaded with King Soopers to give her a year hiatus so that she could care for the children and give them the attention they needed, while their mother was away. King Soopers allegedly refused to accommodate this family, and basically forced her to retire, losing her benefits she would have received at 20 years. I have heard and read a few stories about this corporation's (as well as others') choices, in not supporting their employees..
These types of situations in corporate America beg the question of ethics. When is it crossing the line when a corporation chooses profit over people? Is it more of a travesty when profit is chosen over supporting our troops and their families? This situation weighed on my mind last week, especially with the impending celebration of Independence Day. I know, I know, the day is about celebrating independence from Great Brittain's rule. It has also come to be a holiday when we thank those who have fought and are fighting for the freedoms we enjoy, here in the United States of America.
There are some freedoms which annoy me. Like corporations using some classic music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s to pander their products. While at the grocery store, for instance, when I was bamboozled into thinking I would receive an awesome freebie when I chose to listen to the lady over the p.a., and find the flashing light in the store. Another thing is that when Christians speak up about certain issues or publicly practice Christian customs, some non-Christians or even Christians who support an opposing view (i.e. A.C.L.U. being against prayer in schools, for example) can't appreciate the "lifestyle." The one thing I do appreciate is that we all are free to do so much. Opportunities abound in this country.
One thing about this country is that there is plenty to go around. Greed over taking care of one another is pernicious. God has blessed us. Everything we have is His. If U. S. corporations used their power for the good of the people who make up this country, instead of trying to bump up the bottom line, imagine what a place this would be. That brings me to the word that has been stuck in my head - actuate. How can consumers actuate corporations to be more responsible and to care more about people than money? Is a boycott the only way?
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NIV)
These types of situations in corporate America beg the question of ethics. When is it crossing the line when a corporation chooses profit over people? Is it more of a travesty when profit is chosen over supporting our troops and their families? This situation weighed on my mind last week, especially with the impending celebration of Independence Day. I know, I know, the day is about celebrating independence from Great Brittain's rule. It has also come to be a holiday when we thank those who have fought and are fighting for the freedoms we enjoy, here in the United States of America.
There are some freedoms which annoy me. Like corporations using some classic music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s to pander their products. While at the grocery store, for instance, when I was bamboozled into thinking I would receive an awesome freebie when I chose to listen to the lady over the p.a., and find the flashing light in the store. Another thing is that when Christians speak up about certain issues or publicly practice Christian customs, some non-Christians or even Christians who support an opposing view (i.e. A.C.L.U. being against prayer in schools, for example) can't appreciate the "lifestyle." The one thing I do appreciate is that we all are free to do so much. Opportunities abound in this country.
One thing about this country is that there is plenty to go around. Greed over taking care of one another is pernicious. God has blessed us. Everything we have is His. If U. S. corporations used their power for the good of the people who make up this country, instead of trying to bump up the bottom line, imagine what a place this would be. That brings me to the word that has been stuck in my head - actuate. How can consumers actuate corporations to be more responsible and to care more about people than money? Is a boycott the only way?
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NIV)
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