[MeatGrinder]

Exxon makes an average return of 9% year after year. The "Big Oil" companies also make between a 8-9% return, year after year.

As a comparison:

Microsoft 2007 sales of 51.1 billion, net profit of 14 billion = 27% return

Coca Cola 2007 sales of 28.8 billion, net profit of 6 billion = 21% return

So stop blaming Exxon, and start getting mad at Coke.

BTW, Exxon paid $29,800,000,000.00 in income taxes last year. That's
29.8 billion. But what the heck. Let's squeeze 'em for more. That will
make everybody feel better.