Very simple.
In answer to the meme that 'government is the problem' I offer that lack of governance and the attendant lack of enforcement and oversight is the problem.
Without proper rules and protections both will not be able to rule themselves responsibly.
The toddler, without parental protections and guidance, won't learn the necessary rules for survival.
A corporation, without governance to set and enforce the rules, won't behave in a socially responsible manner. Profit driven goals often sweep consumer protections under the rug. Over the past few years, too many have been harmed to justify arguing this point. Also, would all companies pay a living wage if there were no minimum wage? Would they be hiring millions of undocumented workers?
Governance and law are to corporations, what parents and rules are to toddlers.
The first protects consumers, the latter protects children. The "pink slime, ammonia in ground beef" diary motivated this short diary.
I'm really, really tired of wondering what products are safe!
Citizens have died from so many tainted products, drugs, and foods we don't need to list them anymore. Most of us know someone who has suffered.
Since Reagan, our government has been gutted leaving us more unsafe. Many services have been privatized, like a private company can't be easily compromised by the clients they are supposed to monitor.
Lack of governance is the problem. Here's Henry Waxman speaking about this very thing. The facts are in. People have died because of lack of governance; however, the Republicans are still chanting "less government".
Enjoy Rep. Waxman. He has so much passion:
And here's Rep Stupak (no federal money for abortions) on meat safety. Go to minute 2:25. But nothing else seems to happen. btw, the segment on carbon monoxide refers to those packages of meat and fish you see at the super market where the plastic wrap is puffed up. Target does this. I don't buy any meat/fish products when I see the plastic wrap puffed up. And I NEVER buy ground beef. NEVER.
Here's Bart: