none of the claims made here apply to the Enron blackouts -
which was a prime example of price gouging, natural monoplisitic practices, and typical psychopathic behavior from a corporate entity more concerned with profits then with actually serving the public trust.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/...in620795.shtml
[ QUOTE ]
During California's rolling blackouts, when streets were lit only by head lights and families were trapped in elevators, Enron Energy traders laughed, reports CBS News Correspondent Vince Gonzales.
One trader is heard on tapes obtained by CBS News saying, "Just cut 'em off. They're so f----d. They should just bring back f-----g horses and carriages, f-----g lamps, f-----g kerosene lamps."
And when describing his reaction when a business owner complained about high energy prices, another trader is heard on tape saying, "I just looked at him. I said, 'Move.' (laughter) The guy was like horrified. I go, 'Look, don't take it the wrong way. Move. It isn't getting fixed anytime soon."
California's attempt to deregulate energy markets became a disaster for consumers when companies like Enron manipulated the West Cost power market and even shut down plants so they could drive up prices.
There was quick reaction in Washington to the Enron audiotapes first aired by CBS News last night, and the tapes have become part of the debate over the President's massive energy bill.
"People were talking about market manipulation. People were talking about schemes, people were making jokes," said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
"While the president would like to have an energy bill, I'd like to have an energy bill that protects consumers," said Cantwell.
Consumers like Grandma Millie, mentioned in one exchange recorded between two Enron employees.
Employee 1: "All the money you guys stole from those poor grandmothers in California?
Employee 2: "Yeah, Grandma Millie man.
Employee 1: "Yeah, now she wants her f-----g money back for all the power you've charged right up, jammed right up her a—for f-----g $250 a megawatt hour."
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Watch "The Corporation" - Enron is not a bad apple - it is standard operating procedures for corporations -
you guys put way too much faith in the altrustic motives of the free market when time and time again the market is proven it cannot be trusted with the responsibility to regulate itself without seriously screwing over the American people.
They do business and enjoy the protections of our armies and our economy, they should be subject to regulations that prevent them from price gouging and screwing consumers -
and we, the people, don't want them screwing us over on important stuff like water and electricity, so yes, long live the public trust.
RB