is not that oil companies would act to alter public opinion if they felt it would increase their profitability, just as the tobacco companies did. That make sense. Even employees who may not agree with corporate policy know who signs their paycheck.

What I can't understand is the knee-jerk reaction to oppose any policy or concept that would adversely affect profits by individuals who do NOT profit directly from the threatened activity. Not everyone who opposed the idea of AGW or carcinogens in tobacco worked for the oil companies or the tobacco industry.

Apparently, the psychological effectiveness of corporate misinformation campaigns is much more successful than their marketing and advertising.

Again, I am reminded of Johnny Reb, rushing to enlist in the Confederate Army to fight for his right to own slaves, even though he himself is unlikely to ever scrape enough cash together to buy one.