EA, Microsoft, Zynga, again voice opposition to Defense of Marriage Act

[mjk45]

Miguel_Zorro said:

mjk45 said:

Miguel_Zorro said:

mjk45 said:

Miguel_Zorro said:
While I agree with their position, I'm still a little uneasy with companies that get involved in political issues. I've generally been opposed to the amount of power that companies hold use to control politicians. I need to be consistent about that position, even when I agree with the point of view.

yes but in this case the marriage act affects them since they're employers and must work under that act.

You could argue that about everything though.

- Taxes apply to their employees, so it's ok to lobby the government about taxes

- Abortion laws apply to their employees so it's ok to lobby the government about abortion

- Oil pipelines, the environment, union laws,  the patriot act, so on...

This tends to affect them a bit more directly since there are a lot of laws that demand certain rights in the workplace , there is a lot of law firms and lawyer that specialise in just workplace law so they have a vested interest , they most likely see it as workplace reform, rather than a gay rights issue , I would rather this type of action than behind the scenes lobbying with millions exchanging hands .

I have a larger philosophical problem with the role of corporations in American politics.  We went through this journey on gay marriage here in Canada a few years ago, and I'm happy that corporations weren't involved on either side, as far as I can remember. 

We banned corporate and union political donations to politicians here.  I'd like to see the United States take that approach and reduce the political power of these groups.  Corporations and Unions should not be able to buy a politicians' vote on an issue.  Microsoft is listed as a heavy hitter on open secrets due to their political contributions - much of which has gone to PACs.  That makes me uncomfortable.

However, you raise fair points about the direct impact on their employees.  I'll give that argument some thought.  My employer is one of the DiversityInc companies with a 100 percent rating listed here:

http://www.diversityinc.com/diversity-management/our-analysis-of-the-hrcs-corporate-equality-index/

.. and has been part of these lobbying efforts.  My employer is very gay-friendly, and I don't think they do it for nefarious reasons.  For some reason that trust doesn't extend to all other companies.  Perhaps I've gotten too cynical over the years.

I totally agree with your position , I would like to see full time lobbyists banned.