Six CEOs who can’t believe Washington is being so stupid

Who said big corporations control the government? Corporate America couldn’t be more annoyed at the ongoing government shutdown and threat of a looming default.  And, as we predicted, CEOs from some of the country’s most influential companies are making it clear they want it resolved.

Here are some of the more notable comments from corporate leaders deriding the stalled negotiations.

• Alcoa’s chief executive described the situation as “irresponsible” and  a “giant taser” that could ruin confidence in the world economy.
• Starbucks felt compelled to offer free tall-brewed coffee to customers who purchase a beverage for a friend or co-worker, to promote “civility and kindness.” Its CEO Howard Shultz scorned the “irresponsibility and disfunction.”
• Family Dollar’s CEO revealed that more than half of the company’s customers are on some form of government assistance, and that the shutdown is affecting their confidence.
• The CEO of regional US lender M&T Bank described the situation as a “disgrace” that reflected poorly on both Congress and the president.
• AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said a default would be “unthinkable” and that it would be the “height of irresponsibility for any public official to consider such a course.”
• Marriot’s President and CEO Arne Sorenson said it was a “circus” and a “failure of political leadership.”