I realized one problem with your analogy. At first I tended to agree with you that yes, profit is like discretionary income after your bills are paid. I would have still argued that even if your discretionary income were to be reduced by 49%, you would make some pretty drastic changes in your lifestyle. Then I got to thinking how that "discretionary income" is spent. For you or I, it might go to a vacation, or a bigscreen TV, or maybe even a boat or recreational items. For UPS, that "discretionary" income goes to things like new facilities, new package cars, new planes, training facilities, expansions into new markets or areas of business. So sure, it is more like discretionary income after bills, but before things like contributions to your retirement fund, investment in land for your retirement years, or say your kids college funds. So, I again would ask, if the money you took home after bills to basically invest in your future went down by 49%, would you look to make drastic changes, or not?