We cannot compete with corporations for influence over government policy; but we, the consumers and the workers, are the constituents of the corporations. We are the source of their power; yet their power is not used to our benefit. Indeed, it is most often used to our detriment, for the sake of shareholders. That has to change.
Every company can only operate with the tacit approval of the population. Not only because we buy from them and work for them, but because we choose to not interfere with their business. But we have to realise that this is a choice, and they have to realise that it is a choice. And at any time, in innumerable ways, we can suspend our permission to allow them to function.
No shop, no office, no warehouse or factory can survive if the population chooses to shut it down. No shipments can be delivered and no employee or customer can enter the building if the population chooses to prevent them.
We are the constituents of corporations. By our purchases or work or just by allowing them to operate, we are supporting the political agendas they push through the government. For too long, we have been a silent constituency. We have supported them without demanding representation. We did this because we didn’t know it was a choice; but it is a choice. And we have to start making different choices.
No, we can’t compete with corporations for influence, but we don’t have to. They have the power to influence the government, but we have the power to influence them.