Altruism in Business

Back in the 70's I watched many companies come and go, the sure losers being the ones who offered to somehow save something if you bought their products. All those businesses failed quickly, except one: Recycled Paper Products. They stopped using recycled paper exclusively (if any today) changed their named to Recycled Paper Greetings (making cloudy the original mission), and of course, sold out to a huge greeting card company.

I've been exchanging emails with a fellow who wishes to start a business that will help some women in an African village. of course, every year I meet dozens of people whose motivation is similar. The instinct is right: business benefits everyone. The tactic is wrong: I will help you. These women do not need your help. They have the brains and wherewithal to survive in conditions in which we could not last a month. The women do not need someone to buy things they make, then first need freedom to contract, and freedom from violence and fraud. The violence and fraud is backed by US foreign policy, and if we were to withdraw our troops, govt intervention, drop our tariffs and quotas, open our markets, these women would thrive trading with us, and find in their home countries the ability to keep the fruit of their labor.

Selling their handicrafts here will do the ladies no good. For we in USA to demand USA govt withdraw around the world, so we business people can go in and trade on a level playing field, then we can do some good, together.

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