How do you even calculate profits in a Communist economy?

Say, maybe John Williams of Shadowstats could take a look at China's numbers. I bet they're even more distorted than their US counterparts.

Anyway, what happens anywhere when a vital industry is no longer profitable? Since you can't shut it down, the govt. takes it over and runs it at a loss, correct? Maybe this is what lies ahead for the industry as a whole? If you burn your profits looking for oil that isn't there, then it doesn't matter how high the price is. Fact, the higher the price, the less demand which also hits the bottom line. Maybe this explains all the merger and acquisition activity. Easier to take over a smaller co. than to go looking for new reserves. On a company basis it adds reserves, but on a total basis you just fall further behind. Law of diminishing returns starts to bite hard soon I think.

Almost time to put a plastic liner in the basement and fill it with diesel fuel... heh

ebear