In this case, though, the Nobel Committee may have made a significant, if altogether unintended, contribution to the cause of peace if its spotlight on Jody Williams and her Flower Child crusade encourages sensible legislators to join President Clinton in heeding instead the sound advice of the U.S. military on banning landmines.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An aging flower child's crusade

But really, you personally have no way of holding them accountable, and as such, you should look at your monetary contribution as a donation to a cause, not a true investment in the business.

FORBES: With Ouya's Kickstarter Funded, What Should Its 'Investors' Expect?

If Mr. Huerta and his colleagues in FAA management have made a "superior contribution, " it is to the cause of that old reliable, bureaucratic self-interest.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: FAA Bonuses and the Sequester