And no doubt McDonald's understands that buying from local farmers and producers not only cuts down on shipping costs, but also creates wealth in those communities, thereby enabling more people to afford to eat at McDonald's. But that’s precisely the point. The profit motive encourages these businesses to contribute to the overall well being of the communities they serve. And though all we see on television are the stone throwers and rabble rousers, for the most part, these communities live comfortably, ably and happily with their own little slices of McWorld.
Big business is not inherently evil. Big business is not inherently evil. Big business is not inherently evil... (and, holy damn! Sometimes it helps people! and, omigod, it often ends up improving things!)
Worshipping the almighty dollar is the best possible motive for members of any social system. I know, I know: in school they taught you that money is the root of all evil, and that if you're motivated by profit then you're just a greedy, cold-hearted, baby-stomping Scrooge McMiser. But... since when did you pay attention in school? Since when did you believe your teachers or professors? Suddenly you trust authority? Bah.
