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Companies cashing in on terrorist attacks

A local car dealership commercial begins, "Help jump start America's economy."

Another commercial shows an SUV driving up the Statue of Liberty while Enrique Iglesias sings "Hero."

A cellular phone company commercial shortly after the attacks claimed to be the company that helped people get in touch with their loved ones Sept. 11.

These are just a few examples of how companies and corporations across America are trying to exploit the terrorist attacks for their own financial gain.

The companies are just proving the argument that capitalism is all about getting rich, no matter the cost to humanity. The commercials show these companies have no respect for the victims of Sept. 11 or their families.

The attacks should not be exploited so a company can increase its financial gain. More than 5,000 people died that day. They died while working to support their families. They died while trying to save those who were still trapped in the towers.

They did not die so corporations could have a good advertising slogan. They did not die so companies could increase their bottom line.

Many companies are also advertising how generous they are because they gave money to the American Red Cross or the Auction for America or have even set up their own charities to help the victims.

This is just another way for the companies to get good publicity.

Don't get us wrong, it is great these companies are dipping into their profits and giving. But is it necessary to tell Americans how great the company is because it gave to others in their time of need?

Wall Street has had trouble since the attacks. It had problems before the attacks, though, and those problems will continue.

They will not be solved by making commercials that use the tragedy of Sept. 11 to peddle products. They will not be solved by promoting company charities set up for the victims and their families.

Now is the time for America, companies and corporations included, to show respect and put someone else ahead of themselves for a change.