I propose a mandatory "disclaimer" to be broadcast with each an every one of BP's

[Atticus]

public relations spots telling us how much they CARE.

Something like this would do:

"BP is a corporation. It has no heart; no brain; no soul; no morals; no conscience or sense of shame.

BP is not at all concerned with what is right or wrong. Their only concern is "What can we get away with?"

If BP "voluntarily" pays out $20 billion, it is only because they think that is certainly less than they actually owe.

This ad campaign is said to cost over $50 million. BP's DAILY PROFIT is $66 million.

By law, BP's sole reason for existence is to make money and any law, promise or supposed "moral obligation" that impedes or hinders the making of as large a profit as possible will be disregarded as long as the penalties are less than the profit generated by violating the law, breaking their promises or otherwise behaving immorally."

[RC]

1. Question: The conventional wisdom says that

"By law, BP's sole reason for existence is to make money and any law, promise or supposed "moral obligation" that impedes or hinders the making of as large a profit as possible will be disregarded as long as the penalties are less than the profit generated by violating the law, breaking their promises or otherwise behaving immorally."

Is this really true? If so where is it written? Yeah, yeah, I know this is how they operate, but is it really the law anywhere?

Anyone know for sure?

[Atticus]

2. As a general principle of corporate law, THE ultimate purpose of the activities of a

for-profit corporation is to make money. The stated purpose may be "to manufacture and sell widgets", but they are required to maximize their profit in doing so.

Charitable contributions by corporations have as their purpose not to benefit society, but to con the general public into buying the whole "we care" line. Ultimately, this "good public image" is expected to pay off in dollars and cents; by either increasing profits or reducing losses.

Any substantial straying from the "maximize profits at all costs" approach to management will likely result in a shareholder lawsuit for what amounts to "dereliction of duty."