A sense of perspective.

[forsyth]

The European Union just slapped Microsoft with a $1.3 billion fine, the biggest ever, over Microsoft's anticompetitive actions.

For last year, Microsoft earned about $14 billion. That incredible $1.4 billion fine they make back in just over a month.

In related news, Exxon-Mobil is in court, yet again, about the Exxon Valdez spill, 19 years ago. They're appealing punitive damages levied because of the damage done by the giant spill. The captain had been drinking and wasn't on the bridge at the time, and Exxon had known he was a recovering alcoholic and had fallen off the wagon. They've appealed the punishment damages down to $2.5 billion.

Last year, Exxon-Mobil made a record profit of $39.5 billion. They make $2.5 billion dollars in about three weeks.

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[amazingadrian.livejournal.com]

And yet, at the same time, it's becoming increasingly clear that there isn't enough money to go around in the United States.