From: Zero Powers (zero_powers@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Apr 14 2000 - 23:18:22 MDT
>From: Charlie Stross <charlie@antipope.org>
>On Thu, Apr 13, 2000 at 08:40:50AM -0400, Michael S. Lorrey wrote:
> > Ok, point taken. Now counterpoint: OPEC. OPEC is a monopoly.
>
>No it isn't; OPEC is a cartel. There's a fundamental difference.
No actually, I think Mike has a point. The Sherman Act provides "Every
contract, combination in the form of trust or otherwise, or conspiracy, in
restraint of trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign
nations, is declared to be illegal." The entire purpose of OPEC is to fix
the price of the world crude oil market. It is precisely a "conspiracy" to
restrain trade. So while technically OPEC may be in violation, from a
practical standpoint, there is no way the US would sue them. There'd be no
way to enforce the judgment.
-Zero
"I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past"
--Thomas Jefferson
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