How many corporations does it take to equal the revenue of the United States government?$422 Billlion - Walmart
$370 Billion - Exxon
$368 Billion - Shell
$297 Billion - BP
$289 Billion - Sinopec (Chinese Oil and Gas)
$242 Billion - Toyota
$222 Billion - Petro China
Revenue of the top 7 Corporations of the World: 2.21 Trillion
Tax Revenue of the United States - 2.09 Trillion
Some interesting comparisons:
1. So the top 7 corporations of the World have combined assets totalling more than the revenue of the United States government.
2. If Wal-Mart were a country it would be the 10th most powerful economy in the World.
3. With the state of California, the nations wealthiest state, bringing in a measly $94 Billion Wal-mart is more than 4 times larger
Discussion Questions:
1. Who do you think is running America more? Corporations or our government?
2. Are governments becoming less important with the rise of corporations?
3. Do you trust corporations to regulate themselves and avoid monopolistic practices?
4. If the government is “we the people”, what is your response when people say “government needs to get out of the way of businesses”?