CSR, or Corporate Social Resposibility, is the subject of a “survey article” in the Economist this week by Clive Crook. It is complex and far-reaching, to say the least. As I physically stopped my socialist knee from jerking about, I opened my mind and some meaty ideas began to emerge. Like this one; Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations describes the idea that promoting self interest (as an individual/corporation) in turn serves the overall good of the people. Crook differentiates self-interest from greed.

“The kind of self interest that advances the public good is rational and enlightened.”

I can relate. While drinking plenty of wine with my women friends over the years, we often repeat the obvious; if you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of anyone else?

I am more cynical than the author, however. I don’t happen to believe that left to their own devices (under governmental “scrutiny”, free market competition, etc.) corporations will automatically make a decision that ultimately serves the public good. Crook suggests many possibilities and scenarios that support the opposite, but I am not sold. The reason is simple: greed. ‘Cause even if people are intrinsically good (I believe that we are), bad decisions are often made around and within uncommon circumstances. Most of us will never be in the position to make a decision that directly influences millions of dollars streaming into (or out of) our own pockets. The power involved remains within the circles of our Elite, and history has painted a bleak foundation on which we build our greed palaces.

I envision an interview, Terry Gross style, including Naomi Klein, of No Logo fame and Crook duking out the details.
I’ll produce it.

O.K. Maybe not freedom. Allow me to explain.

The other day, my sick friend Liddy, who lives a block away, needed a few things from the store. I walked down the street to Rockwell Mini-Mart (a.k.a. Milk and Honey Stores), a place I frequent and adore. The father of the guy I usually see there rang up my items, and I planned to pay him with my debit card. Woops. They only take cash, which I had none of. He looked up at me without hesitation and said, “You go ahead. Pay me tomorrow, or whenever you are by here next.” I was thankfully surprised, as I had never even met him before. He said that neither the items I would take nor the money he was owed would make either of us rich, so why worry? I ended up bringing him the money after I delivered the goods to my sick friend.

Also included: online shopping and delivery!

I have just returned home from another visit to Rockwell’s mini-mart, and my buddy Issa Noor was there. I learned today that he is from Pakistan. I also learned that he believes in peace. He said he has lost belief in his government and in our present administration here in the U.S. He is independent in his thoughts, explaining to me he will not blindly follow the doctrine of a country. He is Muslim. He does not think Osama Bin Laden is Muslim. He also believes that experience is wisdom and he cherishes his family and elders. His store is packed with organic foods and earth-friendly cleaning products. And he’ll let you pay him Tuesday for a hamburger today.

Shop locally, build community. A doctrine I believe ANYBODY can get down with.