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Dear Editor:
Mr. Adler’s column was interesting but misleading in its simplistic “us vs. them” tone.
Perhaps the easiest counterpoint to his argument is to mention that one of his examples – Starbucks – is an exemplary company that, in fact, makes quite a good profit, and yet pays 100 percent education benefits – even for part-time employees. The company also provides generous health insurance benefits and paid maternity leave – again, even for part-time employees.
Starbucks could, and would, unquestionably make a larger profit if it did not provide those unnecessary benefits. So, they do not do it because it improves their bottom line. They do it because it fits their long-standing corporate culture, but most importantly, because it helps their employees’ bottom line and it contributes to both their employees’ and society’s long-term health and welfare, making our communities, states and nation a better place for all to live in. Starbucks is just one of many such companies. Promoting such an attitude is admirable.
It does, however, go without saying that companies must make a decent profit or they would be irresponsible to their stockholders and, in fact, unable to provide those types of benefits. But I imagine that even Mr. Adler’s law firm donates, of its own accord, to what it deems worthy social causes; not because it makes them more money, but because it helps our community be a better place.
Suggesting that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support the idea seems like a dog whistle. The idea that the rest of society must bear the burden so that stockholders can – at any and all costs – maximum their profits is simply unsustainable. There is a balance to everything in life and to suggest simply that maximizing corporate profits equals more liberty is a false narrative.
More liberty for whom, and at what cost?
Gary Kent
Noblesville