The Real Big Social Bubble

Commerce and consumption and social stress near the limit?

We may be entering times of great social unrest. There are too many corporations, selling too many products, with too many varieties, too aggressively!

We, who are able to, are consuming too much, resulting great waste and pollution.

There has been some talk of a long term commercial bubble that is strained considerably and about to burst. Perhaps like previous occurrences when business, markets and spending were pushed too high by investment, business and consumer recklessness. They then slumped and later returned to a more normal trend line. While we may again repeat that cycle there is also concern circulating about double dipping to yet new lows and perhaps worse.

Much of the populace is in worry mode about finances, family, and the environment and what lies ahead for our lifestyles and the world in general. These are both confusing and stressful times if we consider some of the negative trends in the way commerce, government and people are acting and interacting. The circumstances this time might be quite different than in earlier serious setbacks as there have been so many social changes for so many years, both positive and negative.

In my 77 years I have seen so many great advances made in living standards, for most; yet there has not been accompanying success in attaining greater social happiness, world peace or eliminating poverty. Over the past decades in the developed world, our society has turned into a consumption monster where more is never enough. So many excesses have been pumped into the way we live under the intense pressure applied by corporate marketing. Commercial interests are now always in the forefront 'encouraging' us onward.

Have we come too far down the wrong path for a gentle turnaround?

The ideology of free enterprise is total devotion to maximizing profits in any manner allowed and increasingly without fairness. There is also a lack of effective laws to control unethical business practices, or the will to enforce those that exist. This infected free enterprise system is allowed to grow with little obstruction and in such a way that social abuse for personal or corporate gain becomes more acceptable with each passing year. Competition for consumers' money, to increase shareholder value, is always a priority. This has some very undesirable effects on society as corporate methods intensify and become less ethical.

The overall results are obvious. We are living in an era of ongoing dissatisfaction with what we have, and with what we must have. We have been told over and over that we need more stuff - and we believe it. Most of us. We are going to pay the price for allowing this, in our living standard values, and with world social distress and environmental deterioration.

Democracy's 'free enterprise' has been too free as it has allowed the corporate world to design our social habits and standards to their liking and financial benefits. We have been programmed to always expect more, much of which is non-essential or promotes unhealthy or stressful living and resulting in great amounts of waste being dumped every day.

Too many, too large corporations are producing and marketing too many goods and services that do not make life better or may even be harmful. The costs of material and wages are wasted when the production is unneeded whereas they could be directed to producing more goods and services that have social and family values, such as in education, health, peace, poverty assistance and world friendly projects. Regularly today newer products and services are unimproved, of poor quality, defective or unworkable and simple junk. But too often it can be sold for no good purpose other than for profit, depleting and spoiling our world's natural resources needlessly.

Can pumping money into a faltering enterprise system, to encourage more buying to boost the economy and markets really help society? Perhaps.

But we must consider some of the material things that are now aggressively merchandised that are excessive in quantity, size, style and cost; proud possessions such as cars, homes, clothes, appliances, gadgets and toys. Increasingly these have too many features so they can be proclaimed 'New and Improved'. There are too many varieties of too many products, which might not differ significantly but will waste more retail space and fill our shelves at home, perhaps to be trashed unused.

And while exorbitant riches may come from this and be too easily or unjustly accumulated for some, others in this world live in devastating and cruel poverty.

A more valued, equitably distributed lifestyle lies ahead for the world's citizens, but not with the underlying commercial and political strategies of today.

Perhaps we will continue this trend another decade or more until it no longer holds together. An unfortunate outcome, but at some point in time consumers will have had enough. They will become dissatisfied with democracy's hang-ups and begin to regret life's stresses used in the processes of acquiring those things which do not make for a better life at all. In very recent years there has been a backlash slowly arising. The serious issues of global warming and environmental deterioration have had increased attention that will hopefully expand significantly.

But to fix this once and for all we also need to return to a more rational way of existing that is satisfying and fair to all, and sustainable. We cannot continue with our high flying market-consume way of living if we want a society that we can feel good about. Simpler living is one prescription, from the super rich corporate executives, athletes and entertainers, down to so many middle class citizens we need to downsize our artificial desires. And the lives of the unfortunate lower class must be improved and poverty eliminated.

This will require a new way of thinking about ourselves and our place in the world and it will be necessary for citizens to voice their dissatisfaction with the commercially oriented society. We must insist on strong and innovative systems of government for all that do not favor corporations and the elite.

Consumers will become dissatisfied with democracy's hang-ups and begin to regret life's stresses used in the processes of acquiring those things which do not make for a better life at all. In very recent years there has been a backlash slowly arising. The serious issues of global warming and environmental deterioration have received increased attention in recent years and hopefully will become mainstream in future social planning.

But restoring normalcy to the artificial aspects of our way of living will involve less commercialism and consumption. Outlawing excessive and deceptive or harmful advertising would be a good start towards long term social healing. Imagine the changes if there were strict regulations in place, with goods and services purchased more wisely, not by persuasion but out of necessity or by word-of-mouth recommendation.

Marketing and consumerism are due for severe trimming, in this decade or perhaps much further on. Profits will shrink, businesses will suffer and markets will drop as we begin to return to a more natural existence.

Sooner or later, quickly and harshly, or gently over time, a simpler and happier society lies ahead.

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January 1, 2063: We live in such a wonderful era

2062 was another happy and peaceful year. Surely this will enter the history books as a time of widespread prosperity, love and happiness for all in this world. The continuing social improvements each year have meant so much; like the recent one hour reduction in the work week to 20 hours. This has helped personally in our expansion of the blueberries section of our garden, and of course there's more time for hiking, crafting, and other interesting stress less hobbies.
 
The new World Order with a just and central government has accomplished so much.

• Dictatorships are non-existent with a new democratic model that is true to all people.
• Management of local and global affairs is completely free of the corporate influences.
• With the peace structure now in place the possibility of future wars appears remote.
• The elimination of poverty, prejudice and human injustices has been accomplished.
• Today's friendly, happy and relaxed lifestyle is so much kinder to people and planet.

What a difference life is from the days of my grandparents early in this century. Researching online news databases turns up some surprising facts about the ills of society then. So many were so consumed with doing so many of the wrong things. There was great wasting of precious days while working excessively to accumulate more possessions. It was only to buy so many useless things that polluted badly and had no true value or wholesome or natural pleasures attached to them.

What were they thinking?
Society had become too fast, too nervous and nasty. In the age of too much, they gobbled up natural resources and competed frantically with fellow creatures for more of everything. They strived so hard to acquire that next thing, always pushed on by the big free enterprise marketing machines. In their efforts, family, friends and nature were often neglected and the world's unfortunate poor were all but forgotten by most.

There were so many conveniences and automatics in their world that they barely needed to lift a finger to do anything. Yet people stressed long and frantically to acquire the money to live this way. The majority were fixed on this 'achievement' of obtaining more goods and services. It does not make any sense but it was their lifestyle, even while so many starved and millions of newborns on the other side had virtually no chance of survival beyond a few painful years.

Corporations ran the show.
Commerce had attained the power to influence government in many ways and very convincingly (and profitably) shaped citizens' habits. Business received preferences from government to the citizens' disadvantage and social displeasure continued to grow.

Commercial interests designed consumers' life styles; the clothes, cars, homes and other products they bought, and even how they should interact socially and as a family. The tool used was advertising which had increased in volume and intensity for so many years that it was virtually everywhere - on TV, telephone, internet, junk mail, buses, arenas, public buildings... Citizens were subjected to 1000's of ads each day. There were even advertisements on people's clothing which the wearers were proud to display for the manufacturer.

Great advances in medical technologies extended life spans even though they were increasingly plagued with sicknesses such as obesity, cancer and diabetes. Flashy ads for unhealthy food products received much of the blame as it extended to children through immense advertising with cute logos and fun attractions.

Real fun was disappearing.
Family time had taken on a new meaning with extra work and shopping hours. In the home there were separate TV's for parents and children and viewed in separate rooms. Healthy exposure to nature, outdoor games and exercise practically disappeared and were not included at all in many families' lives.

The production and disposal of unnecessities was devastating the environment. Consuming was the thing and there was so much to buy, much of it so flashy and so grand. Imagine owning a 6000 pound automobile and never walking several blocks to a store or riding public transit. Family homes sometimes had 10 or more huge, beautifully furnished rooms that took so much time to maintain, and so much of life to earn the money to pay for it.

Competition to appear better than average became a social 'value' for so many, often occupying their lives and diluting values in the process. Corporate marketing encouraged this and was mean as they had set their sights on children for a life long conscription. Morally wrong, but the young would supply a continuation of profits for another generation. But product design and marketing creativity would eventually peak when lifestyles become too tiring and people wanted something better.

Ethics abandoned.
Corporations became monstrous and the competition vicious as they scrambled for sales. Moral principles were abandoned at an increasing rate as there were inadequate government restrictions or they were not enforced. In some industries the extent of marketing deception was unbelievable according to today's standards. Some very strange and disturbing ways of doing business became popular and were used across industries. Cunning and devious methods to trick consumers out of their money proliferated.

Fine print was only one popular way to hide true costs, to sell inferior products or trap buyers into regrettable contracts; "The warranty only..." "Assumes no responsibility..." "Some conditions apply..." Ads and agreements required careful study, word by word, and then you had to take your chances because it was too difficult to understand.

Deceitful ads were everywhere; it was hard to believe any of it anymore. The worst was food packaging - a serious health issue. The label's bold lettering did not indicate contents like excess saturated fat, salt, sugar, preservatives, taste enhancers, and insecticides. That was in faded, small and hard to read print.

Getting scammed by a sly marketing scheme or trapped in an agreement was no longer a big deal, it happened all the time. Almost nobody complained, because if they did the response was usually fluff, perhaps delivered by a fast talking customer relations mouthpiece. Buyers might even feel embarrassed for getting tricked again.

The credit business was big and profitable and mean. Enticements and offers were in the mailbox regularly. Gouging with excessive rates and lending to those who could not afford it trapped so many causing personal bankruptcies.

Sports were real big but suggestions were that they were made big for viewing, for advertising, for business. Pro athletes were paid many millions as average sports loving families could not afford game tickets. Companies bought season tickets to pass out as 'gifts'. Weirder yet - while dog and bird fighting were cruel and strictly against the law, arenas were packed with 25000 people who came to watch hockey players administer black eyes and teeth removal on the opponent players.

Gambling was illegal except for government as they profited from lotteries and casinos through out the country. It was done with intense advertising campaigns encouraging citizens to "GET RICH". The results included broken families, suicides and profit in the name of the taxpayer. But they did caution; "Gambling can lead to financial and legal problems, loss of career and family, and other serious issues." No kidding!

The rich-poor gap in an unjust world. The inequality in revenue between the wealthiest and poorest citizens widened out of proportion. It was just too easy to acquire more when at the top and too difficult when struggling to survive at the bottom. Coverage of poverty issues was overwhelmed by reports on entertainment, sports and rich lifestyles. The globalization of trade did not always significantly improve the lives of workers in developing countries. Desperately needing income they often worked excessive hours, in difficult and unhealthy conditions, at very low pay to deliver low cost products to big enterprise for huge markups.

10 million children were dying every year of hunger and easily preventable diseases while over here millions suffered from obesity.

Natural areas of fields and forests, rivers and oceans were gradually turning into mammoth garbage deposits from the great consumption binge. So much stuff became completely obsolete in just a few years. Environmental destruction had become a popular topic as the globe got warmer, and yet junk marketing of unneeded stuff marched on, and they kept on buying. 'Free' enterprise's drive for greater sales and profits resulted in continually expanding wasteful consumption.

A big problem: Which corporations would cut back profits for the good of people and the world?

There was increasing interest in bringing more attention to these worldly ailments and to make things better. But the voices for positive change had been extremely week compared to the massively funded corporate promotions, denial campaigns and consumer marketing. Private broadcasting media kept things moving wrongly. Governments were apparently content with the bad ways of business as many wealthy politicians were benefiting in some way. The false prosperity had created a merry-go-round run amok and a degradation of true social well being.

Peace in paradise.
Then much as trends sometimes take hold and spread through a nation and then around the world, so did the desire for peace, simplicity and truer life values. People were saying; "There is a better way!" Conscience and good sense were affecting a new generation as never before as people's main interest became justice and happiness, for themselves and for all others.  

The internet was given credit as the tool used to initiate, discuss and bring about real positive change in society. The personal generosity and persistence of a relative few had spread to very many as the idea that good for others was better for you, and that simple was a most satisfying way to live.

And today we are so grateful to all those people who demanded social improvement. They should see democracy now; citizens telling the corporations what they can and cannot do, with government making it work - for the people.

Thank you for bringing us to this garden of enchantment and plenty for all.


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Democracy FOR SALE

The Corporate Managed Society

As commercial power and influence continue to strengthen and spread throughout the world many democratic governments are moving from their intended purpose of servants to their people. Citizen discontent is on the rise, and if the trend is allowed to continue in this manner, long term serious negative implications lie ahead for the world and its inhabitants.

Consumerism in the affluent areas of the globe is rampant even as pollution runs out of control and nature is being trashed. And the 'good life' is not so good for the many who have not benefited from the expansion in commerce and have little, or live in poverty. Nor is it necessarily an achievement for those who have been mesmerized into acquiring material goods recklessly and are willing to sacrifice their time and principles, their health and well being in return.

In countries where commerce has too much influence in the nation's affairs, business has become the primary concern of politicians, their citizens secondary. This evolving business - government - citizen social structure increasingly results in corporate success and satisfaction, and people's dissatisfaction if they are not connected.

Corporations are strongly influencing the way we live; the clothes, cars, homes and other products we acquire, the services we use and how we interact socially. As they grow bigger and more powerful and extend around the globe can they eventually hold more power than governments? Are we near there now?

In competing very aggressively with each other for market share, business ethic has deteriorated badly. Sly and dishonest, powerful marketing spreads into every corner of our daily lives. It is continually in our faces convincing us to buy more, even though most of us have more than enough of so many things. Even though the purchases so often turn out to be useless waste providing no social value and at nature's expense.

This persuade-consume routine has turned so many of us into materialistic apostles. It degrades civilization and nature as it balloons unabated in the richer countries - even while billions live in extreme poverty. And how will the emerging economies emerge? Mahatma Gandhi expressed concern long ago; "God forbid that India should ever take to industrialism after the manner of the west... keeping the world in chains. If our nation took to similar economic exploitation, it would strip the world bare like locusts."

But the consumption expansion has great strength behind it with the powerful business conglomerates pushing their agenda onward. They have well established methods for continuing and expanding their influence on the nation's affairs, and now have their efforts directed toward the entire world.

Lobbying is influencing in the decisions made by legislators and officials in the government. Corporations have money and they stack the cards in their favor. But bribing or coercing is wrong, is bad ethic and is harming society.

Control of the media by business interests is a most worrisome social development. Ownership of news, advertising and other programming is a powerful force used to direct consumer habits and social trends. News stories can be greatly influenced by the corporations that own the media or support it with advertising contracts, and they can reject and promote issues to their advantage. They can also persuade on topics and promote products and services with massive heavily funded advertising campaigns steering trends in a direction where it will be of the most benefit to business and the bottom line.

The multinational corporation conducts business in other countries but for the main purpose of a return of profits to the home country, the company's coffers, and the shareholders' pockets. It is easy to see how the foreign state, its environment and the workers could be taken advantage of or abused. The head office can disassociate itself from humane and environmental problems when they create a new foreign company.

This is not what democracy is supposed to be yet it is difficult to see a positive change in direction and a lessening of the corporate power in our lives. Public attention to this deteriorating state of social well being has been minimal because it is already so deeply entrenched; we feel helpless against this strong tide and have become complacent. Corporations and their corporate media will resist and even confront positive changes if this would result in less profit.

Public attitudes can change and bring forth positive ideas and actions if the media bias can be restructured and new strong public media established. And perhaps the internet will be the source for information and action plans to reverse a worsening social sickness. As a sign that this could happen there are numerous social advocacy websites and blogs appearing which could create public demand for positive change. But will the internet freedom be lost as other freedoms have?

Hopefully, somehow, the quality and ethic of business people and politicians will take a positive turn. The enacting and enforcing of strong legislation to benefit all citizens in a healthy and just manner must be the standard.

Unrestrained, where will the corporate giants take future generations? So much has already been lost.

"The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts." - Edmund Burk


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From Bank to Credit Union - My Walk Across The Street

Credit union concepts and business principles are not very common in our commercial experiences today. Yet they are such a good example of how consumers ought to be treated.

In contrast to some of my banking experiences I have always found credit union staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and very up front with my interests in mind. They do exist solely to serve their members and not to pay high dividends to share holders. The profits are returned to members, offering higher deposit rates and lower rates on loans. While bank accounts in Canada are insured for $100,000, here in British Columbia credit union accounts are covered for the entire amount.

In 1972 and relocated in a city on the Canadian west coast, I set out to cash my first paycheck. Arriving at the nearest bank I was informed by the teller that I would need to open an account. In a hurry I walked across the street to the credit union and cashed my check. After the transaction I was pleasantly asked if I wanted to open an account. I did a week later.

A dozen years passed and I was able to start a registered retirement savings plan. Instinctively I headed for the nearest bank, probably influenced by some of their advertising campaigns, and opened an account consisting of equities and mutual funds. As the years passed it seemed that the financial representatives were often too persuasive towards certain funds. After meeting with a bank financial planner with certain trades in mind I sometimes arrived home with something other than what I had intended to purchase - something that I really didn't want.

On one occasion I was interested in acquiring more of the bank's popular conservative income fund but they informed me that I could not do so. It was only open for sales to new accounts only!

Not available to a dear valued customer? Being somewhat upset I emailed my dissatisfaction to the bank's ombudsman. There was no acknowledgement but after re-submitting my complaint two weeks later I then discovered the role of the ombudsman. At least in this instance, it was to forward complaints back to the local branch manager. The manager finally called only to restate what I had already been told - the fund was open to new accounts only. After listening to some persuasions about their choices on other funds that they had to offer, the discussion ended.

The following year I decided to sell all equities and funds and invest in term deposits as, at age 73, I was particularly concerned about a very inflated stock market. It took several visits and insistence on my part but I finally got the job done and had all holdings were sold to cash. Somewhat frustrated and annoyed with the service I finally closed the RRSP turned RRIF account and transferred the funds to my credit union. The credit union's financial advisor politely suggested diversifying but did not apply any persuasions to do so, and the new RRIF now contained only staggered term deposits.

The bank's financial planner later called for an explanation of why I had migrated to the credit union. I explained my concerns about the service and the economy and stated that I wished to invest all in term deposits. When informed that 'they have term deposits too' I stated that the credit union was offering a full 1% more on a 5-year term.

To which he replied; "Well we could find something like that for you."

The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) defines credit unions as "not-for-profit cooperative institutions." In practice however, legal arrangements vary by jurisdiction. For example in Canada credit unions are regulated as for-profit institutions, and view their mandate as earning a reasonable profit to enhance services to members and ensure stable growth. This difference in viewpoints reflects credit unions' unusual organizational structure, which attempts to solve the principal-agent problem by ensuring that the owners and the users of the institution are the same people. In any case, credit unions generally cannot accept donations and must be able to prosper in a competitive market economy. More . . . . From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_union

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Corporate and Consumer Greed

A Society of Greed?

Is this the era of greed or has it always had such popularity? We have widespread corporate political, personal and consumer greed and it is well presented in government and in our shopping environment - on both sides. We only need to turn on the TV to see it in the programs, advertising, sports and the news. It is also scattered throughout our social lives as we share experiences and increase possessions.


Whoever originally said "Greed is good" was pretty narrow minded and, well, greedy. It is not good for the victim of a greedy transaction. Nor is it good to be greedy if over years it returns distrust, anger and personal value lost.

We of the affluent societies seem to have our share of social stress as we work harder to be able to purchase that next thing. Perhaps giving our families what we have left over of ourselves and the only to have a new 'need'. We have been directed into this undesirable life style by shrewd and constant corporate marketing which is also shaping life and society for the next generation.

And with the new global economy Mahatma Gandhi's worse fears may be materializing; "God forbid that India should ever take to industrialism after the manner of the west... keeping the world in chains. If [our nation] took to similar economic exploitation, it would strip the world bare like locusts."

The drive for greater profits and personal compensation is behind most of the marketing pressures convincing us to acquire more. Faced with dishonest promotions, false advertising and labeling and a steady dose of intense marketing it has been very difficult to avoid contracting some form of this virus-like craving and indulgence. We have been programmed as a society where we cannot acquire and consume enough to be totally satisfied.

From An all-consuming greed by William Bowles ... "The problem that confronts us is that once created, undoing it is virtually impossible; who could deny working people the ‘right’ to a cheap holiday in Ibiza or Buenes Aires or the ‘right’ to own a car regardless of the damage it does to our environment (or impinge on the ‘rights’ of those who do not own a car).

And herein lies the rub as they say, we’re all along for the ride whether we want to be or not and regardless of the consequences, but the reality is that if it were not for the control of resources and markets that the capitalist world has, none of these ‘rights’ would exist in the first place."

Defined in Wikipedia
Greed is a desire to obtain more money or material possessions or bodily satisfaction than one is considered to need. A more religious term for greed is avarice, which is listed as one of the Catholic Seven Deadly Sins.

Greedy individuals are often believed to be harmful to society as their motives often appear to disregard the welfare of others: if one person is to increase in wealth, somebody else must be decreasing in wealth (assuming, of course, that a market economy is a zero sum game). However, greed has become more acceptable (and the word less frequent) in Western culture, where the desire to acquire wealth is an important part of capitalism.

When greed is applied to the subject of the excessive consumption of food or drink the term gluttony is often used, another of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Buddhists believe greed is based on incorrectly connecting material wealth with happiness. This is caused by a deluded view that exaggerates the positive aspects of an object.

Read more on Greed Defined.

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Does Business Govern the World?

Civilization along with our natural world have serious problems.
Planet and social deterioration have accelerated in recent times, fueled by expanding commerce and over consumption. Driven by commerce's need for increased earnings, expansion marches on, sputtering from time to time. The predicament worsens as the buying frenzy spreads into every aspect of our lives.

To what end, our insatiable binge? A generation from now will cars be as big as rooms? Houses as big as castles? Will people act as programmed robots? If the mammoth enterprise machine is derailed will there be widespread social unrest?

Perhaps we will have had enough somewhere along the way and begin living more natural, simpler, and happier lives. But the chances for a peaceful and kinder humanity do not appear to be coming anytime soon.

An addictive 'buy' disease has mutated throughout many cultures orchestrated by creative, forceful and protracted corporate encouragements. There is over-consumption and great waste in one half of the world even while billions do without or are living in desperation elsewhere. Social stress continues to increase as marketing efforts intensify and push us onwards - to desire and acquire yet more - for the good of commerce.

One of the many adverse effects of our lifestyles is that the environment is deteriorating at an ever increasing rate. Unreasonable and expanding consumption of unneeded goods and services is a social affliction that is destroying the planet. This needs correcting before it is too late, and in a sensible and peaceful manner.

The rising emerging economies are increasing the environmental problems but mostly are playing catch-up towards a basic standard of living. While they need to do this in a more sustainable manner than we have demonstrated, better living conditions are long overdue.

Some of the negative consequences of our 'progressive' commerce-consumption social expansion have been increases in corporate crime, family anxieties, consumer mistrust, pollution and a lowering of social values.

The prosperous nations have set the stage for the present scene and they should now set an example with strong commitments to solving these problems. But it will be tough going as companies will always need to maximize profit and need to sell more, not less to do so. How do we get detached from this entrenched lifestyle of always striving to accumulate things, so much of which is wasteful, when we are effectively and strongly persuade to keep it up?

This free enterprise system needs a redesign.
The cure that is in order will eventually occur because there are so many things that we can do as long as we retain and improve on our democratic society. But we must not be complacent and expect positive change to take place on its own.

We need to educate ourselves and be more aware of these existing conditions and the changes that are needed, and to take some positive action. Complaining when things are wrong and discussing them is a basic requirement, and that is easy because there is much to complain about in the increasingly aggressive ways of business. We can talk consumerism with our family and friends and set an example by buying those things that we need, not what we are persuaded to need. Let's express to the corporate world and to our politicians that marketing practices that are harmful to us or our planet are no longer acceptable.

The internet can be a big help in achieving a more just and satisfying society for all citizens of the world, if that does not also come under tight corporate control. Fixing these problems will have great benefits in the end, such as more family and leisure time, happier lifestyles and a preservation of nature.

Of great concern are the reduced manufacturing, marketing, distribution, retailing, and employment if change is not made slowly and is not very carefully thought out. We have dug ourselves into a deep pit.

Yet is there a choice? One way or another, gentler and kinder lifestyles are in the future and will someday be the new trend. If left to run untouched the huge profit-consumption engine will run out of gas and eventually break up. Environmental problems will have grown too huge to fix.

What about ideas?
New paths must be taken under a government that is disconnected from corporate influence.

Legislation to restrict advertising to an ethical and basic form to be used for the introduction of new or truly improved products and services could be a great start. With word of mouth providing the influence for purchases there would be much less consumption of unneeded, unhealthy and anti-environment merchandise.

An active government complaints department would work wonders, not only to accept citizens' input but to actively encourage it, with newsletter, website, and yes - marketing.

I can hear accusations about restricting freedoms coming from those enjoying their benefits from commerce. But free enterprise should not allow the harming of planet and citizens for profit. Immoral methods such as the programming of kids and so many other disgraceful merchandising methods cannot be part of a just society. Unrestricted, corporations will find new ways to capture the minds of citizens for a life of consuming their wares.

A dilemma of our times.
At some time in the future people of the world will live more wisely, happily and justly. But will the change will be harsh or gradual? Business and government are so intertwined it's hard to imagine much improvement at this time. It is only by a swelling of citizens' demand for a better society will this begin in earnest.

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Does Commerce Govern Society?

Social justice is not keeping pace with world wide business expansion. As corporations expand globally the world's natural environment and so many of its people are neglected or abused.

The big question: Where is government?

More questions need answers.
Certain foods contain additives that are known to be harmful to life.
Why is the mass marketing of unhealthy products allowed? To kids?

The cutting of trees is draining the life blood of the natural world.
Is allowing the mass mailing of junk advertising crazy or what?

Deception and other sly business tactics are unjust but widely used.
Traps in advertising and contracts are common, costly and mean.
Where are the lawmakers and enforcers?

Over-production and excessive-consumption are destroying the globe.
Why then, all day, every day the constant brainwashing, BUY MORE?

Sub-contracting production to inhumane and child labor is cruel.
Put the CEO's behind bars, or on the production line?

Gambling is addictive causing much personal distress and suicides.
How can a government greedily market lotteries and casinos?

Sport event tickets are exorbitant while players' salaries are astronomical.
Corporations gobble up season tickets, often to be used for mini bribes.
Can't we make this work better for fans and families?

After years of expanding business prosperity the rich-poor gap widens.
Many are destitute or starving. Many accumulate mountains of money.
What is democratic about this?

Working long hours at tough jobs takes from the family and life in general,
Why aren't we in richer societies living easier, simpler and happier?

Advertising is the engine, everywhere, everyday, training young minds.
Is imposing restrictions on useless or harmful advertising undemocratic?

There is so much wrong happening in our commercialized world with the continually declining corporate ethic. There is deceptive marketing, shock advertising, small print, brand bullying, targeting children, bypassing the needy, environmental destruction... And society trends right along with increasing materialism and artificial lifestyles.

Corporate conscience, true government for the people, and social values seem to have crested in recent years. Perhaps meaningful change lies ahead. Perhaps it is time for a rewrite of democracy and free enterprise, with a more just and humane bias.

But with many politicians rated near the bottom of the trust scale, hoping for positive change any time soon does not seem practical. Is it possible to reverse direction and alter the political environment such that politicians are there, not for themselves but solely for the good of the people? Is a grass roots movement in the future?

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Consumer: Corporate Enemy?

Misleading ads, credit scams and widespread deception.
Sly contracts, unhealthy food and disinformation campaigns.
Fine print, bad customer service, switch and bait selling.
Price gouging, and nastiest of all - marketing to children!

An arsenal of meanness is pointed at citizen consumers.

The trend towards using trickery in capturing sales for increased profits has been expanding competitively for decades. It's our present day version of free enterprise. Scamming consumers may not be such a big deal anymore because competitors are doing it and there is not a lot of harmful publicity if exposed. Besides when consumers are cheated they usually will not complain - because it's just not worth the effort and they are becoming used to it.. They might even blame themselves for getting trapped once again when they should know so very well to watch out for double-dealing when they shop.

It's understandable that a corporation's competitor might become its enemy if the one-step-ahead routine gets out of hand. But what about the beloved consumer as the new corporate enemy? Think about how you are treated in some of your consuming experiences. It used to be a scam would likely have occurred with someone selling a watch on the street corner but this has moved up to the big players in business.

Some corporations believe in the principal that it's only a crime if you get caught - and convicted. Even then the consequences may not be so severe and thus worth the effort. And so the manner in which many companies produce and market their products and services continues its long term downhill trend ethically, with little resistance demanding positive change.

NEWS Item: SCAM CORP agreed to pay a $333,000,000 fine.
They did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement.

In the past it was a common declaration of how most companies expressed their dealings with consumers. They were proud to say so and backed it up with easily accessed customer relations personnel that were there to correct or to explain. Things have turned 180 degrees when dealing with many businesses in today's marketplace.

NEWS Item: SCAM CORP announces company name change to SLY ENTERPRISES.

Gone are those days with many companies or sometimes entire industries. Customer service often may not be there, difficult to access, bankrupt of fairness or expressing large amounts of fluff in answer to buyers' concerns.

A new business axiom could well be "Beat the competition and the consumer in any manner within the law." There are so many marketing, sales and service methods used by businesses that do not appear to meet basic ethical standards.

Exaggerated and deceptive advertising is now very widely used, some questionable, other deceitful and mean. This can appear in various media or store display tags and signs. Trick labels require careful word by word study by the shopper to get the true facts. It may yet be difficult and the resulting purchases surprising and disappointing.

The techniques are creative, varied and widespread.

The purchase of unsatisfactory products and services is the purchaser's loss when the fine print in a contract is just too hard to read or understand, or is excessively long. Fine print is a very popular business tool.

Credit gouging is so common and it takes terrible advantage of those who can least afford it, often causing family devastation. Luring of the unfortunate marches on through media and mailbox, trapping them into paying excessive rates and fees.

The marketing of unhealthy food should have been stopped dead in its tracks years ago yet we still see enticements toward cheap, tasty junk food. Much of this is directed at kids and can set them on a path to serious health problems later in life. Packaged food can contain excessive taste enhancers and preservatives to extend shelf life and profit.

Shock entertainment and commercials catch attention and sell product but soil social standards going forward. Shock for attraction is a relatively newer marketing strategy that seems to be increasing in use and intensity.

Shamed into buying. This marketing method involves creating an 'acceptable' vision for the prospective purchaser. Everyone else will look better and be better than you unless you too acquire their product. You might even be embarrassed or shamed if you do not.

Unethical promotions like bait and switch have been used by large retail store chains. Here you are attracted to a bargain at a store but it is sold out even when you get there early. A similar, costlier item is there. Incidents of this surface but are buried very deeply somewhere, not likely in the popular news, and it is also quickly forgotten with stepped up advertising.

People don't complain much because it turns out to be so useless so often. If it is an obviously deceptive sales promotion complaining will be fruitless, after all if it was purposely designed that way what would you expect? Responses to my complaints vary: " Standard practice in the industry" . . . "The warranty only applies . . . " "Valid with the activation of . . . " "our intent has never been to mislead and I believe our practices will bear me out." . . ." "Terms are only for the first six months . . ."

And well discussed these days is the massive world pollution and environmental destruction of our cities, our land and seas, and our world. These are the results of the continuous and excessive production of wasteful products that do not enhance life or social values but provide profits.

The picture is gloomy as society seems to be generally accepting all this including the programming of the next generation to a life centered on consumption. The marketing area of economics has shaped society to what it is today, materialistic and artificial in many ways, to those who have accepted it.

Do we want to allow this? While we may think it a waste of time, if we don't like what is happening commercially and socially, or are unhappy with our governments, we need to speak up. Corporations must be made to use decent ethics for the good of society. Complaining to business and government needs to be made easy by encouraged submissions of complaints. Consumers as citizens need strict enforced guidelines, fairness and protection from corporate bullies and it can only come from governments.

Required: a federal department that uses marketing to encourage consumers to speak out on unjust business practices, and then act strongly on it.

Alas if business and government are too well knitted together to expect any improvements we can at least sound off to our friends and anyone who listen. There are many websites appearing that together could begin a movement for positive corporate and social change, but this will face great opposition backed by mountains of money.

"Corporation, n, An ingenious device for obtaining profit without individual responsibility." - Ambrose Bierce

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Corporate Media and News Bias

One-sided and influential commercial broadcasting.

Society is pretty messed up with business and consumer greed running rampant, human injustices, poverty and starvation. There are high and low end criminals and very much waste and pollution. Prevalent unhealthy lifestyles exist for so many who should be mentally and physically fit but for the daily persuasions towards harmful habits.

Why does this trend in the same direction for so long and with so little resistance?

Corporate profit would seem to be the main determinant in how we are 'progressing' as a society. The need to increase these profits keeps pushing negative social trends forward, promoting and selling still more excessive, unneeded and even useless and harmful stuff.

But why is there practically no backlash? Criticism is stifled!

The information that citizens absorb in their daily lives influences their future actions and developing lifestyles. World and local social topics from the media and the NEWS are a main source. Friends and acquaintances are another source but most of their information has come from media, perhaps indirectly.

NEWS broadcasting is almost totally dominated by private commercial broadcasting and they are in business for profit. They do not exist to improve society or to make their audiences healthier and happier. What are the chances of seeing on your local news a negative report on a local company's wrong doings when the business is a regular advertiser on the station? Or will a network seek to expose a company's bad ethic if it is a large shareholder?

Government interference is unlikely where wealthy politicians are part owners in these companies or industries, or feel indebted to them in other ways.

And so we get biased reports, excessive and questionable advertising and what ever business chooses to dish out. Public broadcasting is so much more useful but lacks the corporate funding to take any kind of prominence in our daily lives. The chances for future positive social trends looks grim.

What's Wrong With the News?
Independent, aggressive and critical media are essential to an informed democracy. But mainstream media are increasingly cozy with the economic and political powers they should be watchdogging. Mergers in the news industry have accelerated, further limiting the spectrum of viewpoints available to us. With U.S. media outlets overwhelmingly owned by for-profit conglomerates and supported by corporate advertisers, independent journalism is compromised.

Ultimately, FAIR believes that structural reform is needed to break up the dominant media conglomerates, establish independent public broadcasting, and promote strong, non-profit alternative sources of information.

Corporate Ownership
"Almost all media that reach a large audience in the United States are owned by for-profit corporations - institutions that by law are obligated to put the profits of their investors ahead of all other considerations. The goal of maximizing profits is often in conflict with the practice of responsible journalism.

Not only are most major media owned by corporations, these companies are becoming larger and fewer in number as the biggest ones absorb their rivals. This concentration of ownership tends to reduce the diversity of media voices and puts great power in the hands of a few companies. As news outlets fall into the hands of large conglomerates with holdings in many industries, conflicts of interest inevitably interfere with newsgathering.

FAIR believes that independent media are essential to a democratic society, and that aggressive antitrust action must be taken to break up monopolistic media conglomerates. At the same time, non-corporate, alternative media outlets need to be promoted by both the government and the non-profit sector."

Read What's Wrong With the News? at FAIR including advertiser influence, official agendas, telecommunications policy, the PR industry, pressure groups, and more.

Corporate Media Ownership: "The Project Censored team researched the board members of 10 major media organizations from newspaper to television to radio. Of these ten organizations, we found there are 118 people who sit on 288 different American and international corporate boards proving a close on-going interlock between big media and corporate America. We found media directors who also were former Senators or Representatives in the House . . ."
Read more from Project Censored.

Media Conglomerates, Mergers, Concentration of Ownership - is a report from Global Issues, an interesting source for detailed coverage of social concerns.

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