Oil Company Execs Defend Huge Profits

AP via New York Post ^ | 9 NOVEMBER 2005 | H. JOSEF HEBERT

[Fido969]

Just what are those barriers, and in your opinion are they meant to protect the established players?

Where to start?

Regulation, legal requirements, insurance, payroll taxes, it is harder and harder to start a small business nowadays. In order to get into the game, you need to be able to have MILLIONS to invest in lawyers, financing, permits, transportation rules, etc, etc. and pay for the required basic infrastructure that is cost-bloated due to almost unmanageable legal requirements in order to undertake and significant project nowadays.

While big corporations loudly bemoan regulation, they secretly LOVE the idea that it prevents the next bright fellow from jumping in and horning in on their action. Barriers to entry - that is what is KILLING the free market in this country today.

[SALChamps03]

Fine, but let's leave those decisions to the people who OWN the businesses, have made the investments, took the risks, and paid for all the equipment.

[SALChamps03]

Do you know the difference between profits and profit margin? Do you feel that the government should be allowed to tell a business how much profit to make, or should the free market decide?

[Michael81Dus]

I SAY: BURN THEM!!! BUUURRN THEM!!!!
;-)