Honest Dollars

This entry is the first of a two-part series discussing the importance of responsible business.

What is it that makes America so great? Why did the first immigrants risk their lives to make the journey here, and why do people continue to flock to America?

There is a tendency for us to believe that America has a system of laws that allow individuals a greater sense of freedom. Because our nation was built by individuals seeking freedom from persecution and the ability to live without government making decisions about their personal lives, it is easy to romanticize the qualities of our United States of America. And to certain extent, this is all true. But as a result of the success and power this nation has attained, there are many places one can live and enjoy very similar personal freedoms without interference from the government and the general population.

A famous playwright best explained why people--even many of the very first settlers--have come and continue to come to this country. He said simply, "You have work."

I am a patriot. I adore the United States, and cherish the individual freedoms accorded by her laws and the Constitution. But we could not enjoy such a wonderful nation without wealth. Anyone who has traveled to a less developed country (LDC) can tell you that, by comparison, we have it pretty easy.

I do not mean to ignore the poverty in this country. There are many people who are struggling to make ends meet, put food on the table, and live in a safe environment. But many of the worst places in this country would be among the best places in an LDC (less developed country).

Many people in LDC's live without adequate shelter, clothing, and food, whereas the vast majority of Americans--even those living in impoverished conditions--have the three basic needs adequately supplied. Most Americans who do not manage to cover their own basic needs are dealing with substance abuse, have been struck by a tragic disaster (such as Hurricane Katrina), or struggle with mental illness. The minimum wage in this country exceeds the average pay for labor in many places. This is why immigrants are willing to come to the United States and share a two-room house with ten other people.

Yes, we have it better than most places on the globe. We live in a relatively safe country where individual criminals are a much greater danger than warlords, government collapse, or genocide. But more than that, almost anyone willing to work can find a job in this country. Please note, I did not say a "good" job, but a job that pays minimum wage here would allow a family of four to live very comfortably in most LDC's.

It is somewhat popular to bash "capitalism" and "big business." But the truth is that the freedoms that have allowed us to achieve our wealth as a nation are just as important as the individual freedoms that have allowed us to express ourselves. What good is free speech if you can't eat?

To be sure, capitalism is a good thing. It is simply a system that allows good ideas to succeed freely, and allows individuals to earn what they are worth. However, the system fails without honesty and integrity, and the erosion of these values has led many Americans to cringe at the thought of "big business." A few bad apples have made the whole bunch look pretty rotten.

It's time to make "Corporate America" a term we adore. It's time for honest change.