U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of free government: When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved and tyranny is erected on its ruins.” His words hold much sway in modern America, where censorship has become a virus infecting social media, news outlets and major corporations at the highest levels. “Woke capitalism” is a rampant disease which threatens the free and open exchange of ideas. The symptoms of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) are easy to recognize, but difficult to alleviate. As a result, political ideologies are saturating the corporate world rather than sound business practices.

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But even as this “wokeness” infiltrates critical institutions in our nation, there are warriors fighting back with efficient and effective weapons. One of those warriors is Paul Fitzpatrick, President of the 1792 Exchange. He appeared on IFA’s Pray with America’s Leaders in June to discuss real solutions to help business leaders and families who are tired of being marginalized and silenced.

What is the 1792 Exchange?

The 1792 Exchange is a non-profit organization formed in 2021 by a group of business leaders and families who wanted to preserve freedom of religion, speech and enterprise. The name itself has an interesting historical connection. “Our organization’s name pays tribute to the founding of the first American stock exchange in 1792, established by the Buttonwood Agreement. The purpose of the Buttonwood Agreement was to reestablish trust and free exchange in a volatile marketplace. Signers included individuals of various faiths and political veins, even those who served on opposite sides of the Revolutionary War.”

Just as signers of the Buttonwood Agreement chose to ignore political differences in order to create a prosperous society, the 1792 Exchange works with companies all over America to help them remain neutral when it comes to politically charged ideologies. Currently, large corporations are using their size and influence to stifle free speech, or even deny services to smaller organizations and businesses who will not comply with “woke capitalism.” The 1792 Exchange’s mission is to equip them with the resources they need to serve their shareholders and customers with excellence and integrity, rather than wokeness. Additionally, they strive to educate Congress about the dangers of ESG and DEI policies.

Woke Politics and Business Do Not Mix

“We don’t want corporations to be Republican or Democrat or left or right,” stresses Fitzpatrick. Instead, it’s important for companies to produce really good products and services that improve lives regardless of one’s political or religious affiliation. Unfortunately, woke progressive agendas are being used as a form of soft totalitarianism in the business world. Companies may target people of faith or those with conservative views by denying services such as banking, credit, or payment-processing, as well as web hosting. They can also cancel customers or suppliers who do not conform to certain political viewpoints, such as critical race theory or gender ideology.

Political Ideology Over Profit

As companies are pressured to comply with ESG and DEI guidelines, a troubling transition has occurred where profitability has been replaced by ideology. Unbeknownst to many investors, the purpose of a corporation was redefined in 2019 by some of the most influential CEOs of the Business Roundtable. Under this new corporate model, maximizing shareholder value and returns was no longer the priority. Fiduciary duties took a backseat to divisive agendas that were pushed on employees, customers and shareholders. In some cases, the results of such priorities were a disaster. Companies like Bud Light, Nike, Disney and Target experienced backlash from customers who refused to buy into the wokeness.

It’s critical to understand that woke capitalism jeopardizes the retirement security of countless Americans. In fact, the 1792 Exchange shares that “roughly three quarters of all assets in U.S. stock markets are tied directly or indirectly to retirement. Woke capitalism can affect your job, your employer, your savings, your place of worship, your favorite non-profit, your family, and the US economy.”

A Woke Power Shift

A shift of power was seen during the Covid pandemic and the 2020 elections, when companies de-platformed and, in some cases, de-banked people who voiced “unpopular,” conservative or divergent viewpoints. Instead of using legislation to create change, these companies circumvented the rule of law, forcing their ideologies on the public. Large corporations such as Amazon, Apple, Google and JP Morgan did not use the law to punish non-compliance, but rather their corporate power and influence. Media outlets, which are also owned by corporations, used the same tactics.

Fighting Back Against Wokeness

Even though corporations wield weapons of power, there are effective ways to fight back. The 1792 Exchange is equipping businesses and organizations with the tools they need by helping them build networks with others who share their same core beliefs. On their website, they have rated 3000+ companies based on their divisive policies, actions and cancelation of business relationships based on viewpoints or beliefs. “Companies receive ratings on each criterion of Lower Risk, Medium Risk, High Risk, and a corresponding overall rating.” Business owners can look at these ratings to assist them in making wise decisions about vendors, or companies they should engage with. This not only lowers their risk of being “canceled,” it aligns them with those who have similar values.

Regardless of the divisiveness that has permeated many corporations, the good news is that push back is happening and progress is being made. In fact, ESG and DEI are getting much less attention than recent years as employees, government and business leaders are exposing the truth and refusing to implement the agenda.

The politicization of companies is something we must continue to pray about. While the agenda has slowed down, companies will always be pressured to jump on board with the next woke idea.

God has blessed humans with the ability to be creative and productive. Successful businesses are a great example of how hard work and ingenuity can produce much fruit. We must pray for God’s business model to flourish throughout America.

Prayer Points:

Pray that the agendas of DEI and ESG will be completely shut down and that any new “woke” ideas would be thwarted.

• Pray for the success of the 1792 Exchange as it reaches out to businesses, organizations and families who want a neutral marketplace.
• Pray for businesses, organizations, nonprofits and customers to push back against divisive agendas and ideas.
• Pray for a surge in productivity and prosperity for owners of businesses and organizations that seek to provide goods and services to our nation in a fair, honest and godly way.

Lord Jesus, your Word says to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23. We pray that the leaders and citizens of our nation would embrace this truth and put it into action in our businesses and organizations. Help us in this blessed task.

Where have you seen “wokeness” gaining a foothold in your local or state businesses and organizations? As Christians, what can we do to push back against divisive agendas?

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Angela Rodriguez is an author, blogger and homeschooling Mom who studies the historical and biblical connections between Israel and the United States. You can visit her blogs at 67owls.com and 100trumpets.com. She is also the author of Psalm 91: Under the Wings of Jesus, and her first children’s book, Hallelujah’s Great Ride, was just released in September 2023. Photo Credit: Kristina Flour on Unsplash.