I shouldn’t be surprised; the close ties between our government and big business created an attitude that human lives don’t matter a long time ago. Profit before people.
Today the claims offices operated by BP intended to serve those whose property or livelihood was damaged by the explosion and crude oil leaks from the Deepwater Horizon officially closed their doors. To my knowledge no one has been indicted for the deaths of 11 men who worked on the rig, thanks to negligence and cost cutting decisions by BP and Halliburton.
There should be a public outcry for truth and justice for everyone, although the right wing is only concerned if the deaths are law enforcement officers.
Unless you are a racist, you cheered loudly today when a 21 year old man was captured by police in South Carolina. His vicious murders of nine black men and women attending bible study will be avenged. Because the 11 men who died on the Deepwater Horizon were killed by corporations, it is not likely that any punishment will be rendered.
All lives matter. I am certain that BP and maybe Halliburton were forced to pay compensation to the families, but that is not enough.
At least the justice system is consistent. The heads of America’s largest banks were responsible for the financial ruin of thousands of our nation’s working class citizens, and none of them have ever been indicted. In fact, our government bailed them out and they continue to live privileged lives.
Income inequality is not the only separation between the working class and the wealthy; there exists a widening gap in how justice is administered as well.
A young black man who robs a liquor store of 500 dollars may go to prison for several years. A corporate executive who embezzles tens of millions of dollars may not see jail time at all if he has an expensive attorney, or he may receive the minimum at best.
Justice is only blind if you are among the wealthiest of our nation’s citizens. If you are not she can be vengeful and even cruel.
I can only hope that the movie which is about to be released is factual and reveals the truth regarding BP and Halliburton.
When you see a commercial by BP which presents their company in a favorable way, remember these 11 forgotten men. There is nothing positive to say about big oil that is factual. The petroleum industry endangers our environment and its pipelines are a danger to every living thing.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of EPI2oh
Originally posted on June 18, 2015
Follow me on Twitter; @jamesturnagenov
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