Article: I Pledge Allegiance to the Corporations...

Germinating in the 19th Century, the legal concept of corporate personhood sank deep roots into the rich soil of predacious capitalism in the United States. Sheltered by the validation of the Supreme Court and the fierce protection of the ruling elite, corporate personhood has grown to Sequoia-like proportions. Bestowed with many of the legal rights of a human being yet lacking human encumbrances or limitations such as conscience, fear, and mortality, corporations are bastions from which acquisitive and malevolent individuals can commit egregious crimes with virtual impunity.

There are many examples of corporations that often abuse their power, put profits ahead of human welfare and the environment, and wield undue influence over public policy.

Shall we consider one such corporation?

"Have a Coke and a Smile and Shut the f*ck Up"

Coca Cola is as much a part of the American Way as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. What could be more wonderful than an American icon producing a refreshing soft drink recognized by 94% of the world's population?

Remember some of Coke's advertising slogans?

"I'd like to buy the world a Coke"

"Coke adds life."

"Coke is it."

(Yes, those are but a few of the taglines that Madison Avenue has seared into your cerebrum).

Despite some recent "hiccups", the soft drink leviathan cruised across the 2005 finish line with annual revenues of $23.1 billion and a net income of nearly $5 billion. So major investors, corporate executives, supporters, and Coca Cola addicts can truly "Have a Coke and a smile."

It's not a party for everyone...

Unfortunately, there are many people around the world who are not smiling with them. A campaign to Stop Killer Coke has gathered so much momentum that Coke spent $2.4 billion in advertising last year. To counter the exposure of the hideous truths behind the hallowed "Coke lore", Coca Cola has increased its advertising expenditures by 30% since 2004.

With animated polar bears and Kris Kringle giving them the thumbs up while merrily downing their noxious concoction, how can Coke lose?

Hopefully enough people will awaken to reality and stop drinking Coca Cola beverages until it begins producing and marketing healthier products in an ethical way.

And what are some of these ugly truths veiled by the powerful illusions that $2.4 billion per year can create?

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