County urged to adopt ethical finance policy against genocide

During a recent government meeting, a passionate call for ethical financial practices was made, urging the county to sever ties with entities that profit from human rights violations, including apartheid, genocide, and human trafficking. The speaker emphasized the need for a comprehensive financial ethics policy that would guide the county's contracting and investment decisions.

The proposed policy consists of three main components: first, ensuring that all vendors contracted by the county do not have affiliations with unethical entities; second, mandating that all investments, including bonds and securities, are ethically sourced; and third, ensuring that pensions and benefits are derived from ethical investments, explicitly excluding firms like Vanguard and Blackrock, which have been accused of funding genocide.

The speaker highlighted the urgency of this initiative by referencing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in recent conflicts, with significant casualties among children. They cited various international organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, which have characterized the situation as one of the most documented genocides in history.

In light of these concerns, the speaker urged the county to take immediate action by halting financial support to the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator and terminating contracts with companies that contribute to the violence, such as Caterpillar, known for its role in the destruction of Palestinian homes.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability and ethical governance in public spending, reflecting broader societal concerns about complicity in global human rights abuses.