i thought Ben's explanation of why Widdmore wanted the island was kind of lame. the whole moldy Virgin Mary bit. apparently Locke is a gullible dope now, so i surmise Ben is just talking off the cuff. hopefully it will be a lot more earth shattering once we learn Widdmore's motives.

You don't think a man like Widmore would exploit the traits of the Island?

I definitely think he would.

apparently Locke is a gullible dope now

hasn't he ALWAYS been a gullible dope? I think that's what his flashbacks have been revealing to us

Locke is so obsessed with having a 'family', he tries to believe people really care about him. Throughout all his flashbacks, he gets the jilt by everyone who he cared for. I kind of feel sorry for him. His dad, foster homes, his mom, Helen, the commune, his work. I'm sure I missed a few. But, knowing that about his character, no wonder he's a little messed up.

You don't think a man like Widmore would exploit the traits of the Island?

I definitely think he would.
I agree, and I think that that is part of the reason, but I really feel like that there is more to it then that. And Ben knows Locke will believe it, so he gets away with it. I really enjoy Locke's character, but he has the need to know the answer the all of the mysteries, and Ben is just loving it.

It had better be an off-the-cuff remark, otherwise it's rather cheesy. I really do think he was just playing John.

I don't think Ben would mind the island turning into Euro Disney - for the first five years, no-one would show up.

much like disney land the island would be super expensive and the others would try to sell you island dollars

Just the time difference alone would make that island valuble to every country on this planet. Imagin how you could change the out come of a war? Move troops about in no time at all, manipulate the stock market. Having a look even one day in to the future every single day would give someone ultimate power. People and countrys would pay dearly for that kind of information..

Who ever had the island could truly rule the world. If they explolited it.
Then add in the possiblity of being able to heal the unhealable?

The only thing Widmore could possibly want in life is fear to go with even more power. Imagin having the whole world fear you and need you?