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In the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s death, several companies announced new changes, while others swiftly retracted proposed changes set for 2025. This situation raises important questions: Why did such violence occur? Have companies, and the leaders running them, forgetting that without consumers there would be no business? Have they become too greedy, losing sight of the fact that consumers hold significant power?
For instance, before the assassination of Mr. Thompson, Blue Cross Blue Shield initially announced a time limit for anesthesia care available during procedures. Following the sad news, this policy was quickly reversed in a claimed response due to consumer backlash fueled by misinformation. On a lighter note, McDonald’s announced the return of the Snack Wrap, acknowledging the cult-like demand from its customers’ numerous complaints and demands since being removed from the menu. We also see concerning trends, such as companies removing board members’ bios and pictures from their websites as a defensive measure. Medica, a nonprofit health insurer, temporarily closed its headquarters in Minnesota as a safety precaution.
Violence should never be the answer to consumer’s unhappiness with corporate policy. Patient advocacy groups have demonstrated that meaningful change is possible through organized, peaceful action. When healthcare companies disappoint their customers, as evidenced by UnitedHealthcare’s alarming claims denial rate of 32%, the highest in the industry, the solution lies in collective action through legitimate channels. Consumer advocacy organizations continue to make significant progress through legal challenges, public awareness campaigns, and coordinated reform efforts.
The path forward requires neither violence nor the sacrifice of human life. Healthcare advocacy groups have shown that change is possible through persistent, peaceful action, whether through consumer boycotts, shareholder activism, or legislative reform. Real transformation in corporate culture comes not through acts of violence, but through sustained pressure from an engaged and informed public working through legitimate channels to demand accountability and change.
While corporate practices may need revision, violence only perpetuates a cycle of fear and retaliation that undermines legitimate efforts for change. The power to transform corporate ideology lies not in acts of violence but in the collective voice of consumers, advocacy groups, and reform movements working together for meaningful, lasting change through peaceful means.
Success in any industry hinges on understanding and addressing consumer needs. In wealth management, I’ve seen how crucial customer care is to success. Understanding and addressing client needs is essential. OmniStar’s mission and vision highlight deep relationships, constantly improving our willingness to serve, and never sacrificing integrity.
