Jon:

That's a very narrow view of the business world, although it is one being promulgated in MBA training all over the world. The fact is that businesses which pursue money as the sole measure of all good generally go into a tailspin. The purpose of business is not just profit -- the proposition is meaningless, ultimately -- but profitable service.

There's a universe of difference between the two paths.

As for the evil empire, I'm certain "we" -- assuming you mean the people of the United States -- are not an evil empire. We do have a pretty stupid political subclass, though.

A