The Epoch Times’ Kevin Stocklin discusses two recent reports that discuss the questionable actions by corporations.
Conservative shareholders have begun to defend their rights as company owners, using the same techniques that have been used successfully by progressives over the past decade.
The Epoch Times has posted several articles regarding the new movement by shareholders to demand clarity from corporate CEOs who engage in progressive politics, either through tech censorship, social and political campaigns (like Disney, Target and Bud Light), or internal DEI programs, which may violate U.S. Civil Rights laws and put companies at risk from racial discrimination lawsuits.
In this piece, Apple, a manufacturer of high-end electronics, has come under fire over allegedly using its dominant position in communications to block free speech. Shareholders have charged that Apple may be discriminating against conservative and religious groups by removing their apps from its store.
Jeremy Tedesco, a senior attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom (or ADF for short), noted, “They’re stepping into Big Brother’s shoes.”
He continued, “There’s clear evidence that Apple is essentially doing the bidding of Communist China and taking down Christian and other religious apps, or apps that are political in nature, in their China-based app store.”
Target is also facing pressure from conservative shareholders. According to this separate report, the company is facing a lawsuit, with seeks to make management accountable for losses that came from the company’s social and political campaigns.
“The Campaign provoked immense consumer backlash and boycotts that caused Target’s sales to fall for the first time in six years and wiped out over $25 billion in Target’s market capitalization—leading Target’s stock to experience its longest losing streak in 23 years,” the lawsuit notes.
Joining us now to discuss what’s going on and whether companies are turning away from left-wing politics is Kevin Stocklin, the senior investigative reporter for The Epoch Times that wrote both reports. We welcome him to the show.
Q&A:
- Regarding Apple, what are shareholders alleging in terms of its censorship of conservatives and religious people?
- To what extent does China appear to have influence over Apple?
- Regarding Target, what are shareholders alleging against company management?
- In its most recent financial disclosure, Disney stated that its political campaigns are a significant risk factor because they could alienate customers. Will this be a new legal trend for corporations, to disclose the risks they create for shareholders when they take their companies into political/social campaigns?
- What is the personal liability of corporate executives to shareholders when they engage in politics and hurt the company as a result?
- We’re starting to see some companies reconsider whether they should engage in political/social campaigns that may hurt sales and share prices. Do you believe that the fallout could continue as 2024 goes on?
- What effect do you see this having on the ESG industry or the DEI movement?
- You recently produced a new documentary called The Shadow State, which discusses the impact of the ESG market. Tell us more about it and what it’s done for business over the past few years.
- Where can people view The Shadow State? We understand there’s also a DVD available?
- The Shadow State is available right now on Epoch TV. Those interested in purchasing the DVD can do so here.
- Where can we find your recent article about this subject on The Epoch Times, as well as other works you’ve written?
- You can find my profile page here, with all my recently written articles, including a piece on the insurers’ ESG agenda.
About Kevin Stocklin:
Kevin Stocklin is a writer, film producer, and former investment banker. He wrote and produced We All Fall Down: The American Mortgage Crisis, a 2008 documentary on the collapse of the U.S. mortgage finance system.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
