A common objection against corporations is that they make "too much" profit. It's an odd complaint, since high profits often just indicate that a company is providing goods and services to many people at prices those people are willing to pay.
And what is the alternative? Would we prefer that businesses not earn profits -- and fail?
It was reported recently that AMR Corp., parent company of American Airlines, lost $162 million in the third quarter. Why? It had a 40 percent increase in fuel costs. That ate up higher revenue from increased fares and passenger fees.
In fact, 2007 was the last year American posted a full-year profit, The Associated Press reported.
So, are we better off with American Airlines not making a profit?
Wouldn't we, in fact, be worse off if American went under -- destroying jobs and reducing our airline options?
We all would be in a world of trouble if there were no profits.