1. "Our in-ground resources do not "belong" to the people. Rather, the "belong" to whatever company has paid for the right to mine there"
wrong
a lease by definition is granted by the owner (lessor) to the lessee it is not a transfer of ownership, but a right to make use of for consideration
2. "The essence of capitalism is to raise the living standard of all."
wrong
"Capitalism is an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned; supply, demand, price, distribution, and investments are determined mainly by private decisions in the free market, rather than through a planned economy; and profit is distributed to owners who invest in businesses. Capitalism also refers to the process of capital accumulation." [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalism ]
it has absolutely nothing to do with or corn with raising living standards of anyine but the owners
time to educate yourself & "Get Your Facts Straight"