X-Message-Number: 30758
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Re: Oil "shortage"
Date: Sat, 24 May 2008 16:28:46 +0200
References: <>

On 23 May 2008, at 12:53, Edgar Swank wrote:

> I must respond to David Stodolsky msg #30754
>
>> Unless you have identified the source of the problem, it is  
>> impossible
>> to prepare for it. A physical shortage would require one response,
>> perhaps stockpiling. A shortage triggered by the greed of monopoly
>> capitalists, who withholds supplies, requires another, perhaps
>> political action to regulate speculation.
>
> Stockpiling is exactly what the "greedy speculators" are doing. They  
> are
> buying oil futures because they believe the price will be higher in  
> the
> future.

Stockpiling refers to actual physical objects, not futures.


> Monopolies are only effective when protected by governments. Only
> governments can resort to force. Private business, without government
> help, can only try to persuade.

There are private "security" firms. For example, if you have the cash,  
you can hire a private army of 100,000. However, most business  
"influence" results from buying politicians via campaign contributions  
or corrupting them. When that doesn't work, assassination can be  
arranged.

<http://www.democracynow.org/2004/11/9/confessions_of_an_economic_hit_man 
 >


dss

David Stodolsky    Skype: davidstodolsky

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