Where do you draw the line on murdering innocents?

[opebo]

I think the whole 'war is profitable' argument is nonsense.

Sometimes wars are fought that have less economic gain than the cost of the war.  These are fought either as part of a larger struggle, such as the Cold War, or simply for domestic political gain.  In any case, the costs of war are bourne by the people - soldiers and taxpayers - as a whole, while the financial beneficiaries are few.  It is a highly inefficient way to transfer wealth, but sometimes inefficient ways are the only ones the public will swallow.

The fact is it doesn't make a bit of difference to me if I buy my gas from Saddam or Exxon - certainly the price will be no different.  My only concern is who will spend the money in a way that harms me more - in this case it is arguably about equal, as Saddam may have paid to have me blown up, while Exxon contributes to the theocratic party here at home to take away my freedoms.