Thursday, November 17, 2005

Big Oil and Pharmaceuticals

Perhaps I was wrong this week... the problem isn't getting these corporations to do something "nice" for the rest of us, it's having politicians who won't constantly look for ways to make it easier for them to actively screw us. Observe:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- People injured by a vaccine against bird flu or anthrax would have to prove willful misconduct to bring a claim for damages against drug manufacturers or distributors, according to legislation being drafted behind the scenes by Republicans.
and:
A White House document shows that executives from big oil companies met with Vice President Cheney's energy task force in 2001 -- something long suspected by environmentalists but denied as recently as last week by industry officials testifying before Congress.
One of my "study guides" for this week's 'toon was The Corporation, which talks about the effect of "externalities"... the rule of business which directs a corporation to maximize profits by making others pay for its negative impact. Go rent it.

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