Ensuring Mega-Mergers Benefit Society
As Americans follow orders to “stay at home” and “social distance” until April 30, people are glued to their televisions and other media outlets for the latest news. The media is overflowing with stories about the Coronavirus as well as the effects on the upcoming presidential elections. Some states have already held their primary elections, and others have been postponed in a precautionary effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Not only is the Coronavirus postponing the election process, the effects of this unprecedented circumstance are extraordinarily impacting what U.S. News reports as key issues for the election: healthcare and the economy. American healthcare is truly being put to the test as the system is being overwhelmed with COVID-patients. From producing tests to developing vaccines and supplying enough protective gear for hospital workers, these missions are requiring all hands on deck. In an effort to make testing easily accessible, CNBC reports that companies, including Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, are going to utilize their parking lots for drive-thru testing. Abbott, a healthcare company, and the Federal Drug and Administration have taken urgent efforts to produce and authorize a faster COVID-19 test. Johnson & Johnson and BARDA have partnered in a $1,000,000,000 effort to produce a vaccine. The American Leather Holdings, LLC, a furniture manufacturer, is one of many companies that are diverting from their typical manufacturing to manufacturing masks and gowns for front-line workers. Amidst this pandemic, the American economy is continuing to take a significant toll. The stock market has plummeted; unemployment rates are skyrocketing; and the government is rolling out large stimulus packages to try to save the economy. This situation has consumed American life, and consequently, it will have a large impact on the upcoming election. If the health care efforts falter in the coming weeks, will Trump’s chances be tarnished with the political discussion of what he could have done differently? If the $2,000,000,000,000 stimulus plan works, will Trump solidify returning for another term? If this plan does not save the economy, will the Democratic candidate oust Trump? In the evolving coronavirus efforts, progress has been made with the joint efforts of many large companies and agencies, specifically those previously mentioned. Companies are contributing what they can to these united efforts to overcome the pandemic. This display of success of merged efforts gives way to a policy that a presidential candidate could propose to enhance the state of mega-mergers in the American economy and society. Rather than merely passing antitrust laws, proposed mega-mergers should be required to outline how they plan to leverage their united efforts to be a leader in society. This would ensure that mega-mergers bring about positive change and efforts and not result in stagnant, massive corporations.
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Questions:
- Initially, I planned on using the upcoming election to incorporate exigence and the rhetorical situation. With the rapid evolution of the Coronavirus situation, several examples (Abbot, J&J, etc.) have come about that seem to be strong examples for demonstrating the purpose of my policy (to have mega-mergers positively impacting societal issues/overcoming challenges through united efforts rather than just holding a large share of market power). Do you like the idea of connecting the Coronavirus situation to the presidential election?
- If you do like the idea, does the way it’s currently written clearly and effectively connect the two and tie it to the policy? Or should I elaborate more?
- If you do not like the idea, which aspect do you think would be better to use: just the examples with the Coronavirus or just the key issues in the presidential election?
Additional Questions:
1. I think that the examples of groups working together to help fight the coronavirus is a great example to use to show the potential benefits of large mergers. I do think that at some points you got slightly sidetracked talking about politics, and it didn’t add very much to your introduction. I think it is smart to mention a candidate possibly proposing a bill to enhance mega-mergers, but I would personally recommend staying away from the stimulus package and how coronavirus could affect Trump and his running for re-election. It seems that at some of those points you are connecting more of coronavirus and the election, rather than the mergers and either of those two. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to discuss the election, but I would just make sure it’s clear how it connects to the mergers.
Sample Questions:
1. The title does a good job of giving an idea of what your thesis and thus the topic of your paper will be. I think the verb ensuring helps show that the policy change will be made specifically to make sure these mega-mergers are done with good intentions that will help society. I would recommend possibly adding something to include how the mergers have to outline their plan for being beneficial to society.
2. This issue very much responds to an exigence. Whether you discuss the election, coronavirus, or a mix of the two, I believe your topic has a strong presence in recent news. These issues are very pressing, and will surely bring attention to your issue brief. I don’t think you need to make any changes to make your topic more relevant to your audience.
3. Your thesis is very clear in outlining your claim that companies should have to further outline their plans for bringing positive change to not only themselves, but also society as a whole. It is advancing the very specific problem of corporate mega-mergers and how they can be better handled and regulated by public policy. I would assume the remainder of your argument will be explaining how this policy will be detailed and enforced.
1. I think your title is effective in letting the readers of the piece understand what is going to be mentioned in the issue brief.
2. I think you did a really good job with exigence. By mentioning COVID-19 and its effect on the economy, it allows the audience to relate to something that is currently happening. I like that you were able to bring merges into the discussion of how they are helping the country during this pandemic. I think you could definitely talk more about how mergers have been utilized throughout the country during the pandemic. I feel like that would help strengthen the introduction and lead into the thesis.
3. I think your thesis does a great job outlining what you are going to talk about in your issue brief. I like that you were able to mention exactly what lawmakers should do in terms of megamergers. I wouldn’t change anything in regards to the thesis.
Questions:
I think it is a great idea to connect COVID-19 into your issue brief. I do think it would beneficial to talk even more about the role of megamergers during this outbreak. I feel like that would make for an easier transition into the thesis.