Global Operations Quotes
General Motors in Germany had started manufacturing trucks for the Nazi regime. Ford also was building dual use—military and civilian—vehicles. A number of American corporations, with World War II having started in Europe, owned subsidiaries in Nazi Germany which under Nazi laws and regulations were required to produce products for the Nazi government. IBM machines were being used to keep track of all the anti-Nazis, Jews and other perceived “enemies”. Nazi contracts were very profitable and most American firms in Germany just closed their eyes to what the Nazi regime was doing and even fired their Jewish workers rather than close down their German factories. With this horrible experience with large corporations helping what was to be our enemy, after WW2 Congress passed legislation which allows the President to make it illegal for American firms to trade with, manufacture in, or provide technical assistance to Countries that are potential enemies.
Exxon Mobil is one of America’s largest corporations. It is headquartered in Texas, uses American Government funded research, functions under the protection of the U. S. abroad, benefits from the U. S. Navy keeping the oil sea lanes open and safe, and yet claims no obligation to the condition and future of the United States. It is one of the largest polluters in America and was responsible for the Exxon Valdez destruction of much of Alaska’s shores. And it benefits from special American tax breaks for oil companies, American pipelines and sells much of its products to the U. S. Government. It harasses environmental scientists who document their environmental impact. The company spends more money for lobbying American politicians and gives large donations to politicians and American political parties. Exxon Mobil violates the American Corrupt Practices Act and other American laws. No other large American corporation has taken such an unpatriotic position in modern times. Critics argue that if Foreign Governments are not allowed to donate money to influence American politics, why should this company which by its own admission does not function with American interests in mind.
