Swiss Mistake
The recent news over the Swiss public's misgivings is a big surprise. My perception of Switzerland had always been one of a content, well off society. Apparently I am mistaken. This is quite a blow against millionaires around the world seeing how Switzerland is a notorious tax haven. It's hard not to see the such an event as evidence of a possible Marxist style proletarian uprising. It's possible that this could lead to similar declarations of angst around the world. If a country like Switzerland, not exactly known for having a rebellious people; can go to such lengths then why couldn't the U.S. as well? If I was a corporate CEO anywhere around the world and was accepting a form of "Abzockerei", I would start looking over my shoulder. There have already been tensions over big name CEOs rewarding themselves and their cronies in the U.S. Surely the memory enragement over bailed out companies giving their executives massive bonuses during the '08 financial crisis has not yet faded? Although these tensions have simmered quite a bit I bet some major companies will be keeping their executive's paychecks away from the public eye until Switzerland has calmed down some.
I think this is a very interesting point you have brought up about the recent tension surrounding CEO's and the pay they have been receiving. It seems the middle class and lower have become more critical of the high payouts CEO's are receiving. I do not see anything wrong with the individuals making more money as the company does better
ReplyDeleteIt also surprised me that such a affluent society could have a problem with the circulation of money, but then again if a taxpayer believes he is being shorted of his money, then in any society some sort of problem will rise. It makes sense that a taxpayer who believes he is not receiving a good enough pay, to speak up for himself, but I do not believe the government should step in and regulate what the CEO's do with their pay. If a lower level employee has a problem then he should go to the CEO's and ask for a higher pay. Switzerland just needs to settle the issues its facing at the moment, take a step back, and look at the big picture.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that a move to strengthen owner's rights could also at the same time come across as Marxist. I actually don't necessarily disagree with your claim that this does represent rebellious tendencies, but some Marxists have argued that the real battle is no longer between owners and workers, but between workers/owners and managers, who have special connections and legal connections that actually put them above ownership in terms of their power at times. Many contradictions here to consider.
ReplyDelete