You divest from something you consider morally problematic so that your other actions are not influenced by a desire to see your morally-questionable investment be more profitable.
I own about as much XOM as I pay for heating oil each year. Is that small enough that I’m not ever so slightly tempted to ask my representative to go easier on oil drilling restrictions? So far, it’s not tempted me. But if 10% of my net worth were in fossil fuel stocks? I might be hesitant to ask for tighter regulation of that industry.
My owning or not owning XOM makes no difference in Exxon’s behavior, but it might in mine.
I own about as much XOM as I pay for heating oil each year. Is that small enough that I’m not ever so slightly tempted to ask my representative to go easier on oil drilling restrictions? So far, it’s not tempted me. But if 10% of my net worth were in fossil fuel stocks? I might be hesitant to ask for tighter regulation of that industry.
My owning or not owning XOM makes no difference in Exxon’s behavior, but it might in mine.