It would be helpful if your reporting distinguished between companies that suspend corporate operations (or not), and those that franchise. When Hilton says Russian operations account for less than 1% of their fees, they are talking about franchise fees. They don’t own or operate their branded properties, they just license use of their name and processes through contracts. Since the war isn’t happening in Russia, there likely is no basis under their Russian contracts to suspend operations without defaulting under their franchise agreements.
US companies have spent decades working with Russians to establish the rule of law sufficiently to be able to trust that contracts there could be used reliably. Expecting those companies to default on their contracts without any basis (under the contract) for taking that action would undermine the western insistence that the “rule of law” matters.
Obviously, Putin doesn’t care about the rule of law, but US companies do, and should. They actually are sending a strong message that US companies continue to support and enforce legal obligations, even if Russia does not.
Judd: FYI: Pirelli was bought by a Russo-Chinese consortium some years ago. Weirdly, Igor Sechin (aka Darth Vader and chair of Rosneft) was on the board of Pirelli for some years. (Google "Pirelli Igor Sechin.) You won't see Pirelli stopping activities in Russia.
Is anyone really surprised Halliburton is willing to stay in Russia & continue to operate? Remember who we’re talking about here, Halliburton. Halliburton was once run by Dick Cheney. Yes recently his daughter Liz Cheney has garnered approval from the left but Dick Cheney has always been & will always remain, IMO, evil. Halliburton profited off the Iraq war to the tune of almost 40 Billion (with a B) dollars. So profiting from a war is not new to them by any means. In addition to profiteering, Halliburton affiliate KBR effectively poisoned our soldiers by disposing of hazardous waste in burn pits! https://www.salon.com/2016/02/16/burn_pits/ And these are only a couple of examples of exactly how deplorable Halliburton is.
Burger King are offering vouchers for Whoppers to Ukrainian refugees. Seriously, vouchers for a free Whopper? Wow, way to make an effort without actually making an effort! 🙄 No wonder they refused to return Judd’s requests for comment.
As far as the other companies are concerned, they are all profiteering off the war crimes of Putin & the Russian military. That they refuse to acknowledge or own that decision publicly by responding to Judd’s inquiries adds cowardice to the list of reasons to discontinue any future business relationship with them. I can honestly say I’m finding the list of companies worthy of my business grows smaller by the day.
I'm shocked, shocked that Halliburton would continue business as usual. Oh, wait.
I can't seem to find any evidence that Halliburton was one of the US oil companies doing business with Nazi Germany, but it wouldn't surprise me, they certainly haven't missed many opportunities since.
As for Disney- I believe Walt would roll over in his grave to see what Disney is like now. Personally I have never visited any Disneylands and have no intention of ever doing so. There is much more to see and do in life than Disney.
I'd like to share an email I received from StoryBlocks, the world's leading jingle and theme tune music selling website, and the e-mail I wrote to them about them in the wake of International Women's Day when they featured a Russian Artist. Could you send me an e-mail please.
Why is it easy for some companies to quit doing business with an authoritarian regime in Russia, but not do the same with legislators who wouldn't vote to certify Joe Biden's electoral win?
All these companies would sell their mothers for a buck
Thank you for the update on Disney. As you said, they should have posted that when it counts! But it also proves the importance of your work.
Exposing the facts and following up is obviously a good deterrent to companies that try to get away with BS.
It would be helpful if your reporting distinguished between companies that suspend corporate operations (or not), and those that franchise. When Hilton says Russian operations account for less than 1% of their fees, they are talking about franchise fees. They don’t own or operate their branded properties, they just license use of their name and processes through contracts. Since the war isn’t happening in Russia, there likely is no basis under their Russian contracts to suspend operations without defaulting under their franchise agreements.
US companies have spent decades working with Russians to establish the rule of law sufficiently to be able to trust that contracts there could be used reliably. Expecting those companies to default on their contracts without any basis (under the contract) for taking that action would undermine the western insistence that the “rule of law” matters.
Obviously, Putin doesn’t care about the rule of law, but US companies do, and should. They actually are sending a strong message that US companies continue to support and enforce legal obligations, even if Russia does not.
I had the same reaction about Marriott and Burger King.
Thank you for keeping us informed!
Thanks for the heads-up on companies that I should avoid.
Judd: FYI: Pirelli was bought by a Russo-Chinese consortium some years ago. Weirdly, Igor Sechin (aka Darth Vader and chair of Rosneft) was on the board of Pirelli for some years. (Google "Pirelli Igor Sechin.) You won't see Pirelli stopping activities in Russia.
Oligarchy…
Is anyone really surprised Halliburton is willing to stay in Russia & continue to operate? Remember who we’re talking about here, Halliburton. Halliburton was once run by Dick Cheney. Yes recently his daughter Liz Cheney has garnered approval from the left but Dick Cheney has always been & will always remain, IMO, evil. Halliburton profited off the Iraq war to the tune of almost 40 Billion (with a B) dollars. So profiting from a war is not new to them by any means. In addition to profiteering, Halliburton affiliate KBR effectively poisoned our soldiers by disposing of hazardous waste in burn pits! https://www.salon.com/2016/02/16/burn_pits/ And these are only a couple of examples of exactly how deplorable Halliburton is.
Burger King are offering vouchers for Whoppers to Ukrainian refugees. Seriously, vouchers for a free Whopper? Wow, way to make an effort without actually making an effort! 🙄 No wonder they refused to return Judd’s requests for comment.
As far as the other companies are concerned, they are all profiteering off the war crimes of Putin & the Russian military. That they refuse to acknowledge or own that decision publicly by responding to Judd’s inquiries adds cowardice to the list of reasons to discontinue any future business relationship with them. I can honestly say I’m finding the list of companies worthy of my business grows smaller by the day.
BTW, Judd. What happened to the personalized link you used to provide for those of us wishing to share Popular Information with others?
I'm shocked, shocked that Halliburton would continue business as usual. Oh, wait.
I can't seem to find any evidence that Halliburton was one of the US oil companies doing business with Nazi Germany, but it wouldn't surprise me, they certainly haven't missed many opportunities since.
Least surprising on the list: Halliburton. You’re doing important and meaningful work and seeing results. Congratulations.
As for Disney- I believe Walt would roll over in his grave to see what Disney is like now. Personally I have never visited any Disneylands and have no intention of ever doing so. There is much more to see and do in life than Disney.
The companies still working in Russia are like most companies: it’s all about making money for investors.
Popular Information is one of the best things to support! Never cease to be amazed at the great work you do!!
I'd like to share an email I received from StoryBlocks, the world's leading jingle and theme tune music selling website, and the e-mail I wrote to them about them in the wake of International Women's Day when they featured a Russian Artist. Could you send me an e-mail please.
Why is it easy for some companies to quit doing business with an authoritarian regime in Russia, but not do the same with legislators who wouldn't vote to certify Joe Biden's electoral win?