ASK CEOS TO STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY

Time is running out.  Take action NOW.

History shows that economies and businesses perform better in democratic societies than they do under authoritarianism. Business leaders often think they will be able to influence the authoritarian but that is rarely the case.

In democratic societies:

• The GDP is higher. Economists have shown GDP per capita increases from 20% to 25% over a period of 25 years after a transition to democracy
• Markets are managed more efficiently

Authoritarianism results in:

• Economic instability and uncertainty
• Brain drain
• Kleptocracy
• Extortionary demands
• Retaliation and harassment of the leader's enemies
• Less reliable economic data
• Kakistocracy (government by the least competent)
• Loss of innovation
• Less healthy citizens and lower life expectancy

We're starting a letter writing campaign to ask the CEOs of major companies to publicly stand up for democracy and the rule of law. Although one letter is unlikely to sway these leaders, an avalanche will encourage them to take a stand.

If you can, write your own letter. Or you can personalize one of our sample letters.  Just add the CEO name and address, sign, and drop in the mail. Please send letters to as many companies as you can.

SAMPLE LETTER #1

If you haven’t already, you may find your company in the sights of President Trump, being subjected to any one of a number of different types of pressures and demands.

It may be seductive to think that surrendering to what constitutes legal blackmail is the best option.

Do not be misled. ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #2

Autocracy is bad for business and the economy. There is plenty of evidence showing that GDP per capita rises in democratic countries and decreases in authoritarian regimes. Historically, business leaders have underestimated the detrimental effects that autocracy will have on their businesses and their ability to influence the autocrat. ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #3

I’m worried about your business. In fact, I’m worried about the long term health of many businesses in the US these days.  The strong economy that the US has enjoyed for decades is under threat of being systematically destroyed by several factors.  Unnecessary, ill-advised, tariffs are only one problem, and we’re already seeing how they can hurt businesses, large and small. ... 

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #4

I’m writing to urge you to speak out publicly in support of democratic values – which are rapidly eroding in the U.S.

Authoritarianism is fundamentally bad for business. It erodes the rule of law, and weakens the very institutions that ensure fair competition and economic certainty.

In authoritarian systems, governments often exert arbitrary control over private enterprise, restrict access to information, and punish dissent. ...

Download the entire letter  here.

SAMPLE LETTER #5

I’m writing to urge you—as the leader of an influential corporations—to publicly speak out against the growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States.

Across the country, we are witnessing troubling trends: efforts to undermine faith in elections, suppress dissent, limit press freedom, and consolidate power in ways that erode the democratic norms on which this nation—and its economy—have long relied.  ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #6

My name is your name and I’m writing to you because of my concern of the economic peril our country is currently facing and because, as the CEO of a major corporation, you are likely feeling similarly.  Our economic concerns are not because of fragility in the foundation of our economy but because of the onslaught on our democracy by the Trump administration.    ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #7

We’ve been lucky enough to live our lives in a relatively free and fair country.  That has allowed an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and the rise of businesses such as yours.

But it’s now under threat and we’re seeing first-hand how democracy dies and autocracy blossoms.   The rule of law – law which applies to everyone – has played a large part in building a system in which people have the confidence to invest, and to work hard, whether they are investing their money or their labor.  ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #8

The U.S. is hurtling towards authoritarianism.  This will harm your business in particular and the economy in general.  

Among many other ills, authoritarian societies experience brain drain, capricious policies (tariffs, anyone?) and special favors for cronies of the authoritarian.  Business leaders may think they can stay in the good graces of the authoritarian, but this never lasts. For the health of your company and our democracy, please stand up for democratic norms and the rule of law.  ...

Download the entire letter here.

SAMPLE LETTER #9

As a leader of a major corporation, you understand that long-term business success depends on more than quarterly profits. It relies on a stable political environment, a functioning legal system  ...

In democracies, businesses benefit from:

• The rule of law, which ensures contracts are honored and regulations are predictable.
• An open marketplace, where competition and innovation are protected by independent institutions   
• ... 

Download the entire letter here.

Download the spreadsheet with the CEO addresses here or just scroll down to get the information.
(On mobile phones, you may have to rotate your phone to see the entire address.)