Dear Commons Community,

AOL News and Daily Finance have come up with a list of five of the best (of which we can be proud) and five of the worst (of which we should be ashamed) companies in America.

“When a big company gains enough momentum that its direction becomes self-sustaining, its influence can ripple through society with a bevy of positive consequences — like the creation of jobs, the spread of ideas, and a general improvement in living standards.

But capitalism  is far from a perfect system. Along with a host of American companies that we should view with pride, there are a number that have created situations we think are downright evil. For exploitative behaviors that harm customers, employees, shareholders and the general public, these companies (and one whole industry) have earned their seats on the corporate netherworld’s board of shame.”

See below for the list.

Tony

Five American Companies of Which We Can Be Proud!!

1. Costco
2. Starbucks
3. Berkshire Hathaway
4. Whole Foods
5. Nucor

=========================================

Five American Companies of Which We Should Be Ashamed!

1. Monsanto
2. Chesapeake Energy
3. The Entire Cigarette Industry
4. Goldman Sachs
5. Wal-Mart

Dear Commons Community,

The New York Daily News is reporting that New York Governor Cuomo flatly rejected the “total disclosure” of teacher evaluations Wednesday, putting himself at odds with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“Cuomo, in his most expansive comments so far on the hot-button topic, said he supports parents being allowed to see evaluations and expects to hammer out an agreement with the [New York State] Legislature by the end of its session in June.

“The teacher evaluation disclosure question is a question I believe has to be answered this session,” Cuomo told reporters.

Cuomo said he disagreed with those who want to keep teacher evaluations completely private — but he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with those, including Bloomberg, who want them made available for widespread review.

“I think you have to strike an intelligent balance between the teacher’s right to privacy and the parent’s right to know and the public’s right to know,” Cuomo said. “The question is where on that spectrum” do officials set policy.

Cuomo noted other public employees, including cops and firefighters, do not have their evaluations made public.

“I believe the parents have a right to know,” the governor stressed. “I also believe in a teacher’s right to privacy.”

It taking this stance, Cuomo is supporting Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver and state teachers union President Dick Iannuzzi.

Thank you, Governor Cuomo for supporting the sane approach to this issue.

Tony