> Shareholders are also miles away from any negative impact that their companies have on the communities in which they operate -- unlike small business owners w

> Shareholders are also miles away from any negative impact that their companies have on the communities in which they operate -- unlike small business owners who interact directly with their customers. If you own 1 share of a company you are a share holder. Employees are also given stock as bonuses and have the ability to buy stock at a lower cost. These are shareholders and I am sure these people are in the local economy. I'd be willing to bet a large portion of the american public is actually invested in these ISPs whether they know it or not (Most people do not know how or what their pension / retirement funds are invested in) and depend on these companies to do well so they can have a nice retirement.