Chevron is being sued for massive environmental pollution in Ecuador - and the Ecuadoran government has been accused of massive corruption in connection with the oil corporation.
The Canadian "Supreme Court" last September allowed the suit to continue in Canada. Other courts have allowed it to proceed elsewhere.
It remains to be seen if the indigenous people who are suing to protect their lives and homes and land will see any of the billions in compensation they are seeking - or that the company will be forced to clean up its toxic mess. The case has been dragging on for years.
I just learned about this today - but I was not shocked or surprised. There have been so many cases like this over the years, and so many business people and corporations that have pursued selfish, greedy policies that place profits above the needs of others.
And it got me to thinking of all the people who say Donald Trump will make a great president because he is a "successful businessman."
I think that argument is nonsense; being successful in business doe not necessarily translate into being a successful public official.
And what is meant by "success" anyway. Making billions in profits like Chevron - even at the expense of lives and the environment? No.
To me, being successful in business means making a reasonable living, not exorbitant profits, and helping to make the world a better place.
Chevron is an ethical failure, not a successful business.
And Trump, with his luxury and gambling (and strip club) interests may be rich, but he is not making the world better. He's catering to some of our baser instincts.
People are more important than profits.
To quote Marley (from A Christmas Carol):
"Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"
Pax et bonum
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