]> http://benfrank.net/patriots/taxonomy/term/32/0 en http://benfrank.net/patriots/accountability/exxons_crime_against_alaskans <p>In 1989 the Exxon Valdez Oil Tanker ran aground spillling 30 million of gallons of crude oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound. Everyone knows that, but did you know that 30,000 Alaskan Fishermen and Native Tribes won a $5 Billion lawsuit against Exxon in 1994?</p> <p>As of this writing, 2/23/06, <strong >Exxon still has not paid a dime to those most affected by the spill.</strong> Thousands of Alaskans experienced severe financial hardship- how many families were broken up due to the financial &amp; emotional stress caused by Exxon?</p> <p>Even while Exxon was paying teams of lawyers hundreds of millions to fight the lawsuit, they were 'earning' $800,000/yr in interest on the $5 Billion. And their profits kept going up and up. Some even suggest that the $5 Billion could have been used in the stock market run-up and tank of the 90's - there's no proof of that yet, but it seems entirely plausible considering the insatiable greed exhibited by these crooks in suits.</p> <p>In 1989, Exxon's net profits were $3.5 Billion... by 2005 (largely thanks to the Iraq War), Exxon's profits were up to $36 Billion- And still the greedy executives at Exxon suggest that the maximum penalty for Alaskan Fishermen and Tribes ought to be $25 million!!!</p> <p>... And if that's not bad enough, check out this investigative report by Greg Palast- Exxon knew of the faulty radar, but did not install new equipment because it was too spendy! Cost-cutting directly caused the accident, the Drunk Captain Hazelwood story merely deflected from Exxon's CRIMINAL Negligence.</p> Accountability Thu, 23 Feb 2006 14:43:55 -0500