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We all just became slaves of a corporation. You didn't notice? When the Public Service Commission decided that Georgia Power should have an encouraging profit margin, the commission awarded a rate increase for electric power. So even before the first shovel of cement hits the ground for the two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle, Georgia Power will have an assured income. I never saw that in the Constitution.
Whatever happened to the role of investors? Over the years investors put up the capital for such developments and were rewarded with high stock prices and dividends. Now the ratepayers have taken over the cost but not the profits. So we are paying up front, expecting no rewards except delivery of electricity at higher prices. Perhaps ratepayers should hold out for dividends but I am not holding my breath.
Investors also determine the policy of a corporation. So since ratepayers are becoming investors, why can't we also have that power? Sorry! That's not in the contract or even the Constitution. Actually the Supreme Court already decided that issue when they said money is speech, and speech is protected. So we have no power and we can't even complain. Yes, we can vote, and the majority rules, says the Constitution.
The net result is we have no power, no money, and we are speechless. We are slaves to the corporation. How long will it take for other corporations to get into the act?
Adele Kushner
Alto