Warren Buffett didn't have to, but he let PetroChina divestment activists speak.

The situation in Sudan is sad. The genocide is real. Kudos to the Berkshire Hathaway board and its CEO Warren Buffett for allowing them to speak. Buffett doesn't think divestment of PetroChina shares will have any affect on the Chinese government policy towards Sudan.

The measure was defeated 98% to 2%.

What does your Panelist think? I think that anything that makes the Chinese government think they won't be able to sell shares at a good price on the world market might get them to change their actions. I wish this vote had come closer to passing, if only to show China that it may have trouble raising capital in the future. China, Buffet and Munger do not think that Berkshire Hathaway is the right place to affect U.S. government policy towards China.

Mr. Munger, who I really admire, especially his outspoken attitude towards CEO pay and stupid government policies said, "there is only so much cruelty you can fix." I agree with him, but if you have the pulpit to make a difference, and he certainly does,then you should use it.

If I were in control of Berkshire Hathaway instead of a representative of the pittance of "A" shares that I own, what would I do? Would I divest right now? No. Would I make a ton of noise to freak out China that their ability to expand and make money will be hurt by supporting genocide? Yes.

Buffett brought up an interesting point that his and Mr. Mungers' personal views on reproductive rights show up nowhere on Berkshire Hathaway's investments and policies and never will.

Photo: chronicas.com , Creative Commons, Flickr