http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060427/earns...obil.html?.v=7
Do the oil companies "owe" it to the public to take a hit on their profits when oil prices are so high? As a big believer in free markets, I don't think they have to. Their profit margins haven't changed. Just the quantity that they're selling. So if the consumer wants lower prices, they have to cut down on their usage. What does everyone else think?

That's the point - if consumers are willing to pay, then alls fair in love and business.

Well the government keeps paying lip-service to a windfall profit tax, but we shall see. I read the other day that they expected 1st quarter profits for the big oil companies to exceed 16 billion combined. I consider that ridiculous. Everyone is entitled to make a profit, but they are clearly in violation of anti-trust laws.

Triumph: How are they in violation of anti-trust laws? And their Gross Profit remains the same - so you can't say they're gouging anyone. The problem is that people in the US are going through oil like it's water. I live in a suburb. And 3 of every 5 cars here must be a gas guzzling SUV.

They're milking the cow before she runs out of milk. But I concur, free markets are essential and oil is just another industry. I do think some of the profiteering is absurd though. Like all other businesses, oil companies have a duty to deliver to their customers, and at the moment what they are delivering is sub par. The problem is, are you going to stop buying gas? I certainly couldn't.

All truly is fair in love and business!

16 billion MY GOD!