THE CORPORATION: the most important documentary ever....

[blackcat]

This is an amazing documentary a must see for everyone living in our time.

It is very well researched and well presented.

SEE IT.

another recommendation:
The end of suburbia.

somewhat worrying.

[Mulboyne]

I've seen it. I enjoyed it but it is too long and, unfortunately the argument is not consistent. They confuse individual wrongdoing with institutional crime. There is a better film somehere inside but I'm no editor so I wouldn't be the best one to judge.

[Caustic Saint]

Which version did you both see? I've got the original 3-part series that was run on Canadian TV. The film version was edited together (and shortened) from those parts.

Good stuff, but a bit long to try and watch all at once.

[DJEB]

I've got a copy of the original 3-part TV series.

They confuse individual wrongdoing with institutional crime.

I don't agree with this assessment. The film points out that in many regards corporations are given the rights of individuals. Using that point as a given, they go on to ask, if corporations are considered to be people in many cases in the eyes of the law, what kind of people are they? (Answer: mentally ill) Additionally, the movie points out that crime commited by corporations of not necessarily the result of criminally-minded individuals within the corporation itself.

Anyway, it's a good movie. If I can recommend another, check out "The End of Suburbia."

[Mulboyne]

I saw the film rather than the series. I think it came in at about two and a half hours. I thought the idea was good but having identified that corporations acquired rights almost by historical accident, the filmakers didn't look at other organizing principles (mutuals, foundations, charities) which would have shown whether certain abuses solely derive from the corporate charter (they don't).
The film also raised the idea that corporations could have their charter revoked and then went nowhere with it even though this would seem to be a much stronger sanction than anything Sarbannes-Oxley offers.

[blackcat]

I saw the 3 part peice.

I feel this is very important as it points out that CEOS are NOT elected officials but really have that power.

its wrong for a US company to BUY the rights to rain water in Bolivia and charge poor people 25% of thier income to drink their own water!!!

John Ralston Saul, Noam Chomsky have addressed these issues and are both very wise indeed...it may not be a "perfect" doco....but its VERY IMPORTANT

[Mulboyne]

I feel this is very important as it points out that CEOS are NOT elected officials but really have that power.

I actually believe that the problem with corporate behaviour in a multinational is not at the CEO level. That guy (sometimes, rarely, a woman) doesn't know what is going on in such a sprawling enterprise. The problems arise with lower level staff who are trying to make it and want to get noticed at all costs. Even if a CEO presides over a debacle, his/her punishment often seems to be a sacking with full retention of financial benefits (payoff/pension etc). If a CEO was truly held responsible for reprehensible behaviour, then managers would never get the scope to act illegally or immorally for the benefit of a corporation.

[DJEB]

I think that blackcat is saying that corporations hold a lot of power but are tyrannical structures whose actions are largely unacountable (and secret). You mention NPOs which have a similar structure (and I think that they should have a democratic structure), but their goals are, by definition, different.

[dimwit]

John Ralston Saul, Noam Chomsky have addressed these issues and are both very wise indeed...it may not be a "perfect" doco....but its VERY IMPORTANT

JOHN RALSTON SAUL!! The Freeloader Generals' hubbie???!!! I suppose he is wise is the way he has been able to bilk Canadian taxpayers out of all the dough the spend at Rideau Hall. Blackcat, maybe you have the connections to get invited to some of their shindigs, but speaking from one who doesn't I find any criticism of corporations from him extremely galling.

[DJEB]

I take it you don't like the office of the Governor General. Can't say that I blame you. But I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater.