Nevertheless, statements by companies about their social priorities deserve a healthy dose of skepticism.
In fact, some of the same companies like Facebook, Google, and AT&T that were involved in the spate of statements criticizing the electoral law have recently donated money to the Republican State Governance Committee, a group that supports many of the electoral initiatives. Judd Legum, a journalist, highlighted this hypocrisy in his newsletter with popular information, noting that Republican state lawmakers have introduced bills restricting voting in 47 states.
In the case of companies like Coca-Cola and Delta, their more forceful, specific statements against the electoral law in Georgia came after the law was passed and 72 high-ranking black executives came out to cover them.
And statements – even moving an all-star game – aren’t expensive. Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio made this clear in a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, describing his move as “an easy way to signal virtues without significant financial implications”.
Mr. Rubio also said to Mr. Manfred, “I have no illusions that you intend to resign as a member of the Georgia-based Augusta National Golf Club. “This would require a personal sacrifice, contrary to the bright signal of corporate virtue to move the Atlanta All-Star game.”
The decision to postpone the game will have an impact on “countless small and minority businesses in and around Atlanta,” Rubio wrote.
On this last point, Mr Rubio has some sort of ally in Stacey Abrams, the democratic organizer in Georgia, but not because they agree on the underlying problem. Ms. Abrams said: “I am disappointed that the MLB is shifting the all-star game. However, I recommend to the players, owners and the league commissioner that they have their say. I urge others in leadership positions to do the same. “
