Last week Alabama passed the most restrictive ban on abortion in the United States. Other states (as noted in last week’s blog) have similar legislation pending. What flies under the radar are the corporate dollars that flood into these politicians and their political positions. Since corporations do not regularly advertise their political contributions or perspectives, this week’s blog is a public service announcement made in the interest of helping you become a more informed consumer.
This is a partial list of corporations that supported the ban through their contributions to the political campaigns of the legislation’s authors (all white men). The corporation’s CEOs and addresses are in parentheses.
Coca-Cola: Donated $2500 to legislator Will Ainsworth’s campaign. (James Kent, CEO, PO Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301)
AT&T: With a workforce of thirty-one percent women and management team of thirty-five percent women, AT&T donated $10,000 to Will Ainsworth, $5,000 to Clyde Chambliss, $2,500 to Nathaniel Ledbetter, $2,000 to Mac McCutcheon and $2,500 to Greg Reed. (Randall Stephenson, CEO, 208 S. Akard St. Dallas, TX 75202).
Exxon: While publicly advocating for women’s control over their own bodies, Exxon donated $1,000 to Ainsworth, $1,000 to Mac McCutcheon, $2,000 to Reed and $500 to Nathaniel Ledbetter. (Darren Woods, CEO, 5959 Las Colinas Blvd. Irving TX 75039).
Pfizer: While spouting a party line of equitable healthcare for women, Pfizer donated $1,000 to Chambliss and $500.00 to Reed. (Albert Bouria, CEO, 1 Burtt Rd. Andover, MA 01810)
Walmart: Long known for its conservative religious and political stances while publicly stating they seek to “empower women,” Walmart donated $2,000 to McCutcheon and $1,000 to Reed. (Doug McMillon, CEO, 702 S.W. 8th St. Bentonville, AK 72716).
State Farm: The insurance mogul is proud to say it is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, State Farm donated $5,000 to McCutcheon and $1,000 to Chambliss. (Michael Tipsord, CEO, One State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710).
Eli Lily: A 2015 initiative to understand the experience of women and minorities in their workforce did not stop them from donating $3,000 to McCutcheon and $1,000 to Reed. (Dave Ricks, CEO, Lily Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285).
Caterpillar: Their website has a page devoted to gender equality, specifically citing male privilege as a barrier to understanding the experiences of women. This did not, however, stop the equipment manufacturer from donating $2,500 to Ainsworth. (Jim Umpleby, CEO, 501 Southwest Jefferson Ave. Peoria, IL 61630).
Comcast: A $2,500 donation to McCutcheon subverts any claim they may make to caring about women. (Brian L. Roberts, CEO, 1701 JFK Blvd. Philadelphia, PA).
CVS Caremark: started in Alabama in 1993, donated $1,500 to McCutcheon. (Larry J. Merlo, CEO, One CVS Dr. Woonsocket, RI 02895)
Anheuser-Busch: $1,000 to McCutcheon and $1,500 to Reed effectively silences any notion about caring for women’s rights. (Carlos Brito, CEO, One Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118).
In a time when it is easy to feel powerless in the face of the machinations of government and big business, we tend to forget we have tremendous power. By refusing to support businesses whose ethical stances run counter to our own, and voting out those individuals who vote against the things we hold dear, we have the power to effect change. What corporations understand is profit for shareholders and CEO’s. What politicians understand is votes and longevity in their political careers. We have the power to impact both.
Granted, these donations are small considering these companies make billions every year. However, such donations often curry political favor when it comes to corporate interest at a point in the future. Politicians and corporations are comfortable bedfellows.
It’s not enough to simply shop somewhere else, it’s important to let the CEOs know of your decision and the reasons for it. None of us singlehandedly keep any of these corporations in business, but critical mass comes when we impact their bottom line which is profit.
It is complicated to be an informed consumer in this day of entangled political and corporate agendas, but there is a lot at stake. Women and men need to unite to protect women’s right to choose. Buy wisely.
The Irreverent Reverend 