Tristan -- what a great column, and what a great topic this would be for high potential leaders destined for the CEO seat:  what do I value most -- dollars or people? Are people simply a means to a disposable end, or are they a vital resource for renewable/sustainable ends? Coupling Wall Street's short-term quarter-to-quarter focus with shareholder's demands and media scrutiny, business focus has shifted from long-term to short-term.  As such, decisions are made with just increasing the stock price and bottom-line in mind. Renewable costs more than disposable, so until businesses and Wall Street analysts change what they measure we're likely to see more of the same...until we hook them with your enlightened views!