When a man works a hard week to provide for his children, every penny counts. Now, it appears that some of the world's largest corporate giants are sitting on billions of dollars that rightfully belong in the pockets of those families. Following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down emergency tariffs, a one hundred and eighty billion dollar refund pool has been created. However, retailers like Costco are currently engaged in a legal scramble to keep this windfall for themselves. This is a clear betrayal of the trust that members place in these institutions.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris admitted to analysts that the company did not always pass the full cost of tariffs onto its members. While this may sound noble, it is now being used as an excuse to pocket the government refunds rather than returning them to the people. If the consumer paid more at the register because of these duties, they should be the first in line to receive the refund. To do otherwise is to treat the American family as a source of easy profit for the corporate boardroom. The purpose of trade policy should be to strengthen the nation's industry and support the family wage, not to create a windfall for shipping companies.

Lawsuits are now being filed across the country to force these companies to do the right thing. Experts forecast a wave of litigation that could finally hold these giants accountable. A society is only as strong as its sense of fairness. When the powerful use legal loopholes to withhold what is owed to the humble, the moral fabric of the nation is weakened. The American table is already under pressure from automation and inflation. It does not need the additional weight of corporate greed. These billions should be returned to the kitchens and living rooms of America, where they can actually do some good for the community.