I saw the advert for Michael Moore’s new film today (Capitalism: A love story), and decided to write him a letter. It follows. Any thoughts from my readers are welcome in the comments, as well as via email.
Hi Mike:
Long time fan, first time writer.
As my wife and I were sitting and watching the latest from the Supreme Court’s non-activist judges the other day, we were enraged, again, by the idea that “corporations are people, too” – a historical mistake with dire consequences. But then Nicole – the smarter of us -Â wondered aloud, “If they are people, why has the state never tried them for murder?” Sure, companies whose irresponsible actions have ended people’s lives have been sued by individuals for monetary compensation, and there have even been occasional consequences for individuals within various companies on such occasions. But if corporations are people under law, and commit these crimes as a corporation (aka person), should not the corporation be subject to the same rulings as people are? What would it mean for a corporation – as a thing; or rather, a person – to serve 10 years in jail? A life sentence? To get the death penalty? Why can’t we incarcerate one? Has it ever been tried (forgive the pun)? I’d love to see it. I’ve love to help it happen.
How might I, or we, try such a thing?
Keep up the good work! Warmly,
Nathaniel Stern
http://nathanielstern.com
