NOT ALL BUSINESSES ARE “EVIL”
By Bob Confer

Businesses get no respect.

As a matter of fact, it has become almost fashionable to attack capitalistic endeavors. This hatred is so abundantly propagated that the populace cannot escape it. The imagery of  “evil corporations” is found anywhere and everywhere.

The media besieges us with news reports of disrespected employees, misguided investors, and gigantic corporate bonuses. Hollywood floods televisions and theatres with tales highlighting the dark side of economics. Politicians use their bully pulpits to attack corporations with the same pithy vigor that was directed at them in the 1800’s.       

Much like those who stereotype based upon race, ethnicity, or culture, these individuals railing against businesses are suffering from a form of prejudice. They lump together all businesses – small and large, good and bad - assuming they all have the same dirty mindset possessed by the well-known, very small number of large, corrupted companies - such as Adelphia and Enron - who have soured peoples’ opinions of the business world.

This is the ultimate slap in the face to the American economy, because reality is nothing like this. The economic landscape is in stark contrast to the “Evil Corporation” stereotype. Instead, it is one crafted of well-founded character, respect for others, and the promotion of the tenets of American principles. This is because, as a whole, it is the Common Man, people like you and me, who keep the economy going, who own or run businesses.

Small businesses - typically considered those employing 500 or fewer people – are the most powerful facet of our economy. There are over 22 million small businesses in the USA, which represents an astounding 99.7% of all employers. They employ over 50% of the workforce and are 97% of all US exporters. Most important of all, small businesses control the forward progress of the US economy, accounting for 75% of the net new jobs added to the economy.  

That being said, businesses will not destroy America…they are symbols of the very best of what is the American Way. To know that an individual can control his or her destiny by starting-up a company and participating in economic affairs is a comforting reflection of what this great land of ours allows us to do and what can become of it. America was founded upon this ingenuity and is continuously strengthened by the blood, sweat, and tears of small businesses, their owners, and employees. Because of economic freedom and its rewards America has become king of the world and a place countless millions want to live in or aspire to become.   

Despite the truth of the matter, lies reign supreme when discussing the economic climate in America. The media, the entertainment industry, politicians and many, many people seem to delight in bashing the wonders of capitalism and spreading the misguided belief that “Corporate America” will be the end of us. They are using the sensationalism of a few instances of corruption to paint an ugly picture which unfortunately draws far too many innocent people into it.

It is important that you ignore this media mythology and realize that Big Business is NOT the heart and soul of the economy and that all businesses are NOT created equal. It is really small businesses that rule and we’re all better because of it.