Greedy oil companies not helping U.S.

So, ExxonMobil earned $9.25 billion in profit in the last quarter ["Exxon profit up, Chrysler in comeback," Business, Feb. 1]. That's fine. Every company in business deserves the right to make a profit, just like Chevron and Conoco-Phillips.

Here is the problem. Exxon was reported to say it produced more oil to take advantage of higher prices. It also said that higher prices "made production operations more profitable." The company did not say "viable" or "profitable." It said more profitable.

With regular gasoline hovering around $3.40 per gallon, and heating oil nearing $4, these companies are pulling billions of dollars out of the American economy at the worst possible time in more than 50 years. The oil industry posts profits while receiving $4 billion a year in federal subsidies and tax breaks.

The next time you hear anybody using the phrase "job killing" anything, tell them to look no further the job-annihilating oil company profits and the people and politicians behind them.

James A. Coelus

Copiague