U.S. corporations just logged their most profitable quarter ever in history — $1.659 trillion (with a T) in profits. That included a $44 billion (with a B) increase in profits — three quarters of which went to the Wall Street banks and investment houses that taxpayers bailed out two years ago. Meanwhile, of course, unemployment continued to rise, and workers’ wages continued to decline.
– The Week magazine
in its December 10, 2010, issue
That they can get away with this — with ever-reduced taxes, no less! — really is the magic of the free market.