Is Big Oil properly using their "WINDFALL PROFITS"?

Windfall Profits - Graphic representation of windfall profits and how Big Oil should (MUST!) reinvest those back into the industry to ensure future stability and reliability.
@w1z111 (985)
United States
May 20, 2007 7:27am CST
"Windfall profit" is defined as: "A sudden unexpected profit uncontrolled by the profiting party." (http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Windfall+profit OK...so I'm sure we could define some of Big Oil's profits as being "windfall" (i.e. "sudden"), although I'd guess it would be hard to distinguish between 'windfall' and 'normal' profits, AND it might be harder still to believe Big Oil (the "profiting party") is NOT somehow "controlling" or "manipulating" things. Big Oil deals in Big Numbers, for sure. And, consequently, we tend to think they're always "gouging" because it's next to impossible to keep abreast of all the issues and political or economic impacts on the Oil Industry at large...so human nature tends to get a bit 'suspicios', I guess. Certainly, there are legitimate reasons why oil companies should be allowed to collect whatever profits the market can bear. And, nobody I know is out to take away their ability to continue their research and development of new sources of oil, or in alternative energy sources...things which need healthy profits in order to 'reinvest' in the future. I think most of us can agree that's ok, and even necessary, no? BUT........yes, there is a BUT!If Big Oil is collecting "windfall profits" and they are NOT using the profits to fund the present AND future industry needs (i.e., complete and 'near-perfect' maintenance of drilling rigs, refineries and distribution infrastructure; new, improved refineries; other new technologies and industry improvements), then I'd have to ask "what ARE they doing with these windfall profits?" Are they simply padding their investors wallets with more money? Are they giving 'sinful' bonuses and stock options to top executives? Are they otherwise exhibiting "greedy" behavior with regard to these record profits? If so, then I'd say: "America...we DO have a problem!"What's your view? Anyone know how much Big Oil reinvests in the future? Is the percentage of profit being reinvested appropriate, or simply a "token"? Is the profit being 'divvied up' by top exec's and top investors? Is government somehow benefiting (behind the scenes) from 'windfall profits' of Big Oil? Are any individual members of government benefiting?
No responses