Harvard Business School Graduates...

[Eric J in MN]

... Who Criticize the Conservative Agenda.

From www.speakspeak.org



Grover Norquist


In June, The Harvard Business School Alumni Bulletin published an article on Grover Norquist (MBA '81), a leader of the conservative movement.

Norquist's conservative agenda includes eliminating taxes on inheritance and privatizing Social Security.

In September, the HBS Alumni Bulletin published ten reactions to Grover Norquist's agenda on its letters page.

Nine-out-of-ten of the letters were opposed to this conservative agenda.

This may or may not reflect the ratio of letters they received on Norquist. Perhaps the editors felt that the article on Grover Norquist presented his views, and presenting mostly opposition on the letters page would provide balance.

One opposition letter was by John Sweeney (MBA '69) :

The contrast between the two 1981 MBA graduates profiled in the June issue could not be more profound. is working with UNICEF in Sudan to alleviate the suffering of impoverished Sudanese children. Grover Norquist is working with the Republican Party in the US to eliminate government expenditures on health care, education and Social Security.

... To continue on the past espoused by Norquist and his cohorts is to sow the seeds of destruction of democracy. It is creating an American aristocracy callous to the human condition. We cannot expect to foster democracy in Iraq and other places abroad if we do not set an example of democracy's compassion for all its citizens here in the United States.

More letters in opposition from pat208 in a Daily Kos diary.

[On the Road]

1. I'm Telling You, Man, There *Is* a Liberal Business Community

it's just been silent recently. You can see it in Business Week, Harvard Business Review, and the Financial Times. It's often opposed to a progressive platform, but when the right-wing starts to get out of hand, it can be a powerful ally on a lot of issues.

[spooky3]

3. You are right--B Week has published excellent articles on

out-of-control executive comp., the state of the economy, Wal-Mart and the employee lawsuits against it, etc.

[leveymg]

4. They are about to start runnning the world again, you know.

Whether they're any better at it will come down to their personal character as much as their ideology.

We only get one more swing at bat. This one coming up has to be better than both the Bush and Clinton eras, or that's the end of the season and no coming back next Spring for Team America.

[noahmijo]

5. BS in Business Admin from Unv of Arizona right here

Before Business School I was more of a moderate on economics.

After business school I am totally with no shame on the left side when it comes to fiscal policy and economics.

If those of you "non-schooled" in business only just REALLY only knew the shit you can get away with......

[leveymg]

6. I think we can see the results of what biz gets away with.

Believe me, DC law firms are worse. At least you guys make something, and the public gets some value for their money.

Shakespeare didn't write, "First, we kill all the Accountants."

[noahmijo]

7. Oh you "real worlders" you know it FAR more than any "schooled" person

like myself.

By studying the theory laws and practice I think I got a good glimpse of how things really work, but those of you who understand it via the real world...haha NO amount of education can prepare you for that.

[On the Road]

8. MBA from Maryland Here

and I have moved left as well since Business school.

Pharmaceuticals with unregulated monopolistic profits on drugs, which are replaced with new drugs before they go generic. Offshoring of taxable profits. No-bids contracts to crony companies. This is not what free enterprise is supposed to be about.

The free market has benefits as long as the playing field is level. Which it usually isn't. The economy has to be managed for the good of everyone, regardless of ideology. Libertarian ideas have to be discussed right alongside socialist ones.

Fifty years ago, most business leaders got it. Today, the most visible ones are barbarians at the gates.

[SharonAnn]

9. My MBA taught me how corrupt and immoral business can be and

get awy with it.

I'm glad I have, because it's a credential I use when I disagree with the "corporatist" position. Because I know how it works, I can explain it to others and fight against it.

[noahmijo]

10. that's precisely what I do with it

I remember once a freeper I was arguing with said to me early in the debate that maybe if I had studied economics more I wouldn't be such a socialist.

My simple albeit not very classy response.....raise my finger which contained my ring citing me as a degree holder in business :)

[spooky3]

2. I wish more DUers would read this. Very interesting (more direct link

here):

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/10/12/201643/78

[freethought]

11. I might get flamed for this, but here goes

A family member finished their PhD in economics about two years ago. Despite offers from Wall St. investment firms they have turned them down to search for a job to teach and do research. Hasn't found it yet. To bring in a paycheck they landed a job with Harvard Business School doing research, statistical/arithmetical analysis, programming, modelling and the like for HBS Faculty. They are there now but they want out. Nice benefits package though.
Anyway, every once in a while they fume about the faculty and the students at HBS.
90% of the faculty are overpriviledged and overpaid primadonnas who think they walk on water
80% of the MBA sutdents don't want to be there. They're there because (a la GWB) their rich families "paid" their way in. If you think that all HBS students were accepted on their merits the she has bridge in Brooklyn AND a bridge in San Fransisco for sale. Those students that have worked hard, are smart, made sacrifices, and busted serious ass are in a small minority
More than once they've asked students "How did you get accepted here?"

They had a good laugh when Wharton beat out Harvard Business School for ratings in the "best" business schools.

Everyonce in a while they go off on their "micromanaging boss" whe will not back off and let them work.
From what I read posted in this thread it is pretty much like my family member describes in their occasional vents of frustration.

[brentspeak]

14. Interesting info

I've often wondered what it takes to get into places like HBS.

[AX10]

12. Smart people know that balance is needed in order to sustain...

anything in the long run.

[kiraboo]

13. A large wing of the family and a boatload of good friends are HBS graduate

I can't think of ONE who supports the shrub and his "conservative" agenda. Not one.