Corporate Patriotism

Persuasive Essay # 101859

Economics > Taxation
Political Science > Fiscal Policy (economy)
Political Science > U.S.

A discussion of how corporations have found a way to use patriotic appeals to receive grants from the US government.

1,380 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper criticizes big corporations' use of the current wartime situation as a means of profit, by applying for large grants on the grounds of patriotism from a government already deep in deficit. By claiming patriotism, companies receive government rebates, untaxed contracts, tax subsidies and tax cuts saving them billions of dollars. Much of the money goes straight to the companies, yet never reaches the people it is actually intended to help: employees and citizens in need. The paper concludes that the ones who suffer most from "corporate patriotism" are the true patriots, the parents of sons and daughters who are risking their lives in the name of patriotism overseas.

From the Paper:

"During the Reagan Administration, corporations witnessed the birth of the AMT, Alternative Minimum Tax. The tax keeps profitable organizations from evading taxes through various loopholes. Corporations take advantage of the loopholes but are left with the AMT to pay. In recent times, corporations have found their own way to prove their patriotism to the nation. They are using the current wartime situation as a means of profit. While most Americans waved the flag after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, corporations took advantage of the mass confusion to gain aid (Nader)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Brostek, Michael. Challenges Remain in Combating Abusive Tax Shelters. 21 Oct. 2003. General Accounting Office. 30 Nov. 2005. <http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d04104t.pdf>
"Columnist Biography: Paul Krugman" New York Times. 2 Dec. 2005. <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/opinion/KRUGMAN-BIO.html>
Cray, Charlie. (2003). Iraq and Corporate Patriotism: It's Time to Stop the War Profiteers. Common Dreams News Center. 6 Oct. 2005 <http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1008-06.htm>
Daley, Beth. "'Disaster Profiteering Act' Makes Its Debut Seeks to Waive Taxpayer Protections & Competition on Government Contracts." Online posting 16 Sept. 2005. Common Dreams: News Wire. 2 Dec. 2005. <http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0916-03.htm>
Friedman, Joel. "The Decline of Corporate Income Tax Revenues." Online posting 24 Oct. 2003. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 1 Dec. 2005. <http://www.cbpp.org/10-16-03tax.htm>