Comments on: In the news… Exxon again https://lithoguru.com/life/?p=6 Musings of a Gentleman Scientist Mon, 30 Nov -001 00:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 By: J-man https://lithoguru.com/life/?p=6#comment-8 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-8 I have no problem with companies making a profit so long as they are also covering their REAL expenses. An example of NOT paying for "business expenses" would be getting the government to "persuade" foreign governments to "grant" pipeline and/or drilling rights, etc. via the use of US military forces. Should Exxon pay, say 2/3 their net profit, to subsidize the men and women of our fine military who gave their lives, limbs and sanity to fight in the Middle East? Even the Mafia pays for its own strongmen and the cost of doing business.

In regard to drug companies … the most eggregious abuse of the US, EU and International Patent systems ever seen is when drug companies can file a reformulation patent to cover a drug that has been in the market for over its 18 year patent period. I know of no other industry grants such rights, excepting Disney and musicians.

J-man

]]> By: Shifty https://lithoguru.com/life/?p=6#comment-11 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-11 Which is higher margin, finding new oil (in a world where Saudi crude costs <$2 at the wellhead) or manipulating Wall Street and the public? This is the 21st century, after all!

I am investing in credulity futures.

]]> By: Matthew Golly https://lithoguru.com/life/?p=6#comment-148 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-148 The chief value of money lies in the fact that one lives in a world in which it is overestimated.

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