One of the more common conspiracy theories is that a cabal of oil and car companies (Exxon, General Motors, etc.) control most of what happens in Washington, D.C. and around the world. It may be the most common conspiracy theory outside of the JFK assassination. Of course, people from Detroit usually laugh at the idea that the car companies control the world (they see every day in the news just how hapless the auto industry generally is), and people who hail from places like Alaska, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or eastern Texas (where oil companies have suffered economic devastation due to cheap imported oil) similarly tend to laugh at the idea that the oil companies rule the world.
Elsewhere, otherwise intelligent and seemingly rational people often accept without question the premise that these "greedy corporations" control just about everything.
The mythology frequently includes the belief that an engine was long ago invented that could get over 100 miles per gallon. But the "greedy corporations" have colluded to keep this miracle product off the market! I've been hearing about this secret miracle engine for most of my life. Turns out there's a real story behind this myth. The Mike Brown Solutions web site has a pretty neat article about it. To read it, click here.
Dean,
This was a good read. How did you find this bit of news. I did not find it in my usual perusings on the Net.
KevinB
Hey Kevin. I got it from a friend. You get the best stuff from friends. I openly invite anyone to send me interesting links that are off the well-beaten path!
Dean
IF you don't believe the major corporations are running the government you're either blind or ignorant.
$$$$$$ makes the world go 'round.
Heh. Well, it wouldn't be the first time I was ignorant.
My argument is always that, in reality, most people who run corporations are simply too busy to run the country; they can barely handle running their companies. Add in to that the conflicts between competitors and friction between industries and the need to please voters, and the whole idea that everything's about $$$ starts to look a little thin.
I guess it comes back to something I've said many times: most people are neither smart enough nor organized enough nor willing to cooperate with each other enough for big corporations to do anything. Big corporations can barely get their products to market on time and under budget.
tremendous site
Well thought out blog entry, though I'm not sure I entirely agree with the point being made! However saying that everyone has their own point of view and is entitled to it.