We can imagine a modern-day Virgil leading us through the various circles of corporate misconduct. Perhaps the first circle is for greed and populated by overpaid executives, the second circle contains the polluters, the next for lobbyists for special tax breaks and another for those involved in regulatory demolition. | |
At the ninth circle, we find the most egregious forms of corporate misconduct — companies who provide misleading or fraudulent information about their own products. Such behavior is a risk to the public that the company is uniquely positioned to understand. It is worse than simple thievery because those who are most knowledgeable use their knowledge to mislead their customers. | |
When Dante wrote Inferno, he described the ninth circle of hell as the deepest one, where treachery resides and where hosts betray their guests: | |
By effect of his malicious thoughts, | |
Trusting in him I was made prisoner, | |
And after put to death. | |
(Inferno, Canto XXXIII) | |
So it is with companies in the ninth circle. We are indeed prisoners when we unwittingly trust malicious companies who invite us as guests into their showrooms. These firms know about their dangerous products, withhold that knowledge, subvert science to advance their narrow commercial interests and put their guests to death. | |
— William Nordhaus | |
From his article: “The Ninth Circle Of Corporate Irresponsibility“ | |
Sub-titled: “Reassessing The Impact Businesses Have On The Planet“ | |
Appearing in: Time Magazine; Dtd: 26 April 2021 | |
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On This Day In: | |
2021 | Are We Talking About Health Insurance / Oil Companies, Facebook Or Faux News? |
When MTV Was Young (And Fun) | |
2020 | Resting |
A New Day Just Means We Continue The Struggle (With A Smile) | |
2019 | One For Two |
Why Trump Insults Pelosi and Schiff | |
2018 | The Worst |
2017 | #DonTheCon In The Oval Office |
2016 | Are You Like #AmnestyDon And Sarah Palin? |
2015 | Begin Today |
2014 | Look Again (At Life’s Illusions) |
2013 | None Knows |
2012 | Yet |
2011 | No End In Sight |
2010 | Back At It… |
Are We Talking About Health Insurance / Oil Companies, Facebook Or Faux News?
November 4, 2021 by kmabarrett
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