For years prior to the current crisis — let’s start calling it the Great Depression of 2008 — I’ve been thinking about how awful corporate America has been treating middle-Americans, and I’ve always believed they would eventually get fed up.
As a former executive of corporate America, I’ve had exposure the “system”, and have always believed that the only way to selflessly serve the consumer, is for the consumer to serve themselves. Although there’s a lot more to discuss about this overall philosophy, I wanted to launch a “trial balloon”, per se, to see if anyone else thinks my idea has merit.
THE CONCEPT
To form a non-profit, public benefit corporation that directly and exclusively serves the consumer. That’s right; non-profit. From bottom to top, the entire organization exists to operate on a non-profit basis solely to provide essential goods to consumers —- at cost. No additional profit margin. No multi-million dollar executive bonuses. No dividends paid in cash to stock holders – the “dividends” will go directly to the consumer in the form of savings.
Essential goods & services such as groceries, gasoline, telephone/cable/internet, medical services, automotive, water, etc. need to be owned by the people — the consumers — the people who not only want, but NEED these goods and services most. For many years, I’ve found it almost criminal for profitable corporations to capitalize, if not gouge consumers for essential items.
In my opinion, the concept has merit, particularly because it allows other businesses to compete in a capitalist world. In today’s economic environment, it may be inappropriate for profitable corporations to pay 100’s of millions annually to top level executives – especially if they’re doing so on the backs of Americans experiencing hardship as a result of greed and mismanagement.
Now is the time for Twittizenism to flourish.
If we all resisted the upper echelon’s attempts to keep us fragmented, separated, and individualized — each of us “fending-for-ourselves”, negotiating on behalf of one — we would realize how much negotiating power we have if we assembled together. We need to stop letting “Americanism” tell us that we should be scattered like ants, wandering into the community; each of us, of course, having the same equal opportunity as the other ants.
Ultimately, isn’t it cheaper to buy bulk beans as a member of Costco than it is to purchase individual cans at the grocery store.I’m not saying we get together and buy bulk; I’m suggesting that we get together and start buying businesses in bulk, them into a non-profit entity, and sell good directly to consumers at cost.
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE
Here’s a specific example of what I mean: Let’s say a group of American citizens, Tweeple or Twittizens, got together & opened up a national chain of gasoline stations, with the specific intent of providing the absolute cheapest gasoline available in the marketplace. Where would you fill up if you were one of those Twittizens? Here’s the desired effect, and the choices you’ll find as you drive around town:
Mobil Corporation $ 4.00
Chevron Corporation $ 3.97
Sunoco Corporation $ 3.90
“TwittizenGas” $ 2.50
THE MECHANICS
The TwittizenGas stations will be run on the following principles and under the following motto “Of the Tweeple, By the Tweeple, For the Tweeple” :
TwittizenGas, for that matter, Twitterville companies will be funded and operated exclusively by Twittizens.
Special tax breaks are given to non-profits, the US gov’t will provide additional tax breaks and incentives to profitable corporation/businesses that sell their goods to TwitterGas.
High, livable wages for all Twitterville employees. All new hires are offered a minimum starting wage of $15.00 per hour, and an additional $3.00 per hour will be contributed to their personal savings.
A livable retirement is absolutely guaranteed
Health benefits guaranteed for all Tweeple.
Periodic drug testing will be conducted to verify nobody is under the influence during work hours. Mandatory, rehabilitation will be provided for all addictions
Pre-paid legal services are provided as a protection and benefit
Periodic wage increases based on tenor & performance, but no executive or management employee is paid over $100,000. Employment is guaranteed for life as long as the employee does not steal, assault, or commit any other serious crime.
Top Executive bonuses may be paid to executives, but only based on past performance evaluations, and only by vote of Twittizens of Twitterville.
All executive performance evaluations and compensation records available for viewing on the internet.
All real-time company financial records available on the internet. Shadey accounting or embezzlement punishable by death.
IMPLEMENTATION
Led by Twittizens, immediately assemble a team of trusted business advisors, financial advisors, government officials, and Twittizens for a Manhattan-Project style meeting. The meeting place will be neutral, but donated, and not include the typical $23,000 spa treatments allowed at most corporate meetings held during tough economic times.
Formulation of the entire organization can be developed “open-source” (pardon me if I’m not so familiar with the tech terminology, but tech’s know what I mean & can contribute). As an example, Google & Twitter can assist with the technical foundation of the company.
The best, most logical business advisor that would immediately be sought is Wal-Mart. Fortunately, I have contacts that are very high up within the corporation that could help facilitate a “meeting of the minds” – with the right individuals to get this off the ground efficiently.
WHAT’S NEXT
This concept is not capitalism, not socialism, certainly not communism, it’s Twittizenism. All Tweeple know exactly what I mean, and fully understand the power of the Twitter community.
As we all know, “ism’s” are flung about in order to inject fear into the heart and minds of our community, and it’s only fitting to come up with an extreme “ism” to counter what I can already hear will come from both ends of the political spectrum. Please keep your comments productive, and refrain from calling out “isms”
Please let me know your ideas, and definitely let me know what your thoughts & opinions are. It can only go viral through enthusiasm. If the concept sticks, there’s no stopping us from here on out.
By the way, I’ve reserved the name @Twittizenism if you’d like to begin posting ideas, thoughts and comments to drive the message. We need an avatar, and you’re welcome to suggest one by sending me an email: peter@petersantilli.com.