Quote:
Originally posted by fotze@Feb 7 2005, 02:21 PM
Oh ya and you should really boycott every major gas retailer because every big company be it exxonmobil (esso), Shell, Chevron has overseas plays much like the Nigeria situation.
Also the gas in your tank from Esso probably has some Shell oil in it too because refineries and gathering systems accept product from many suppliers depending on geography and anti-proliferation deals.
|
Well, it may be true that other major oil companies have similar track records and are also abusing the environment, the Shell situation is well-documented and has been publicized quite a bit. To be honest, I haven't read as much about other oil companies, and I'm sure if I did, and found their practices equally awful, I would boycott them as well, like you suggest. I do know that Shell provides about half of the Nigerian dictatorship's money, and that that very gov't hanged 9 environmental activists in 1995 for speaking out against Shell. The other companies you listed have probably done some awful things overseas, but again, I would be surprised to find out they were a part of something that atrocious.
I really don't know enough about the industry to comment on your second statement, and I have no reason to believe you're incorrect. That's why this kind of discussion is good, and boycotting is sometimes a tricky thing- you think you might be doing a noble thing, but you're still supporting a company you don't want to in a roundabout way you're unaware of.
For the record, I try and buy my gas from Mom and Pop places whenever I can, and Petro-Can when I can't.