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TwitterErroneous act of the Supreme Court in Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker
119 People Have Sent 666 Letters and Emails
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Some recent comments: these messages are published with permission of the signer.
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Mon., Jul. 14, 2008 2:34 PM link Daniel S. | Carnation, WA
I'm no student of law but the whole situation seems a bit screwed up for those Alaskan Natives who had their lives demolished by this incident. Since whn did the American government start working for big business instead of Americans?This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Mon., Jul. 14, 2008 3:28 PM link Dalenna W. | Woodinville, WA
My name is Dalenna Wilmot, Snoqualmie tribal member, tribal employee, military wife of 12 years and a mother. I admit fully to not being on top of this issue in heart. Be that as it may, it is a well known fact that the law always stands on behalf of the man with the bigger wallet. This is a sad fact of which I personal and respectfully ask to have fixed. The overwhelming accounted impact in Alaska is gut turning. My children deserve better, how about yours?Justice must be at hand...not money!
Thank you for your time and respectful acknowledgement.
Resectfully,
Dalenna Wilmot / Tribal Enrollment #596-2000
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Tue., Jul. 15, 2008 11:55 AM link Steven M. | carnation, WA
This decision is a travesty to American justice. I was in the US Air Force and served my country and I am ashamed of the US Government. I was willing to sacrifice my freedom and even my life for this country and the Supreme Court turns around and slaps its own citizens in the face. It proves that neither it nor this administration have any love for its people or country. I fully support the statements made my Mr. Kvasnikoff and all of the people affected by the obvious neglect of Exxon.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 10:00 AM link Nathaniel W. | Vancouver, WA
You'll read this and think oh another one, when actually you should be thinking.....this could be any one of my relatives.Godspeed, we need it.
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Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 11:50 AM link Robert T. | Anchorage, AK
Exxon must pay for its actions regarding the 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound. Herring has not been harvested from there in 20 years due to the spill. Exxon does not accept guilt and they must be punished. The Surpreme Court should be punished as well for their retarded decision. Bush should be impeached for appointing the Justices that voted in favor of Exxon.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 11:55 AM link Anthony V. | Anchorage, AK
A stain of blood only gets brighter.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 12:08 PM link Lori H. | Fairbamks, AK
Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 12:44 PM link Ray L. | Grinnell, IA
It appears to me that Exxon likes to ride roughshod over the court system and the Alaskans involved with this tragedy. Sounds like what happened just before the Boston Tea Party--no justice.I hope I don't have to wait another eighteen years before this gets settled, as I'll probably be dead.
Sincerely,
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Wed., Jul. 16, 2008 4:16 PM link Havilah L. | Anchorage, AK
I grew up in a commercial fishing family on the Cook Inlet. I remember my dad worked very hard to buy his herring permit and left each spring to fish for herring. My mom and him worked hard to pay their crew members to fish our permits in Cook Inlet as well. Then.....I remember a time when we no longer could afford a family vacation in the winter, and also no more hiring of crew members (because they weren't making enough money from the pennies on the dollar per pound of salmon). One year shortly after the spill, my parents agonized over how they actually lost money from the season. This was because of after all the costs (repairing nets, buying buoy stickers, gas, etc.), there just was not enough money brought in to cover what they spent to fish for the summer. My parents began to chip away at their retirement savings to keep our household afloat. By this I mean, buying us school clothes to wear for the year, gas to drive and buy needed groceries, and other necessities.My parents had a plan to send us all to college. Needless to say, that was not possible after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. I now live in Anchorage and pay for college with a Pell Grant and Student Loans, because I am low income. My mother lives off barely anything, racking up her credit card to pay for groceries - only to make a small amount of money to pay the minimum amount due and to carry her through the winter. My father is in his 60's with graying hair, and works all fall, winter and spring on a tanker to help bring in money to pay the bills at home (to heat our home and keep things livable for my mother ie. repairs, etc.). I feel hatred towards Exxon that they do not care about the thousands of families they hurt and how they took away their livelihood. How sad it makes me to see my father no longer able to fish for herring, after he invested so much money into buying a permit to do so. Not to mention all the additional costs he put into that venture, such as gear and a boat. They are crooks and have no remorse whatsoever. My father and mother had their life savings and essentially their whole lives ripped from them. What a rip-off! Please do something about this. Anything to make our lives whole again. Isn't that what Exxon promised? To make us whole again? This is a total sham...How sad.
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 12:27 AM link Saundra F. | Anchorage, AK
My Name is Saundra Fletcher, I commercial fished out of Cook Inlet, and we lost our season. What I find to be the most unjust in the case, is waiting through years of appeals only to find that the United States Supreme Court made the wrong decision. Not only are the people hurt and angered by this that were involved, but anyone I talk to is absolutely stunned that the final decision turned out to be a sham. Prince William Sound is still oiled, lives ruined. We don't want Exxon in our state, they are not good "corporate citizens".I hope that the Senate Judiciary will have a hearing on this case. This, in my opinion, was a crime of the court system here in America, biased towards Exxon's favor. We are not a third world country, this is America and the Supreme Court justices who voted in favor of this decision should be held accountable someway. I personally am requesting that this case be heard by the "peoples representatives" of this country. An old maritime? Outdated and an absolute joke in today's shipping world. Do right for the 30,000 plus plaintiffs and hold a hearing in the Senate. Hold those Judges accountable.
Why have the Republicans been quiet on this outcome? Why?
Thank you
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 12:30 AM link Saundra F. | Anchorage, AK
My Name is Saundra Fletcher, I commercial fished out of Cook Inlet, and we lost our season. What I find to be the most unjust in the case, is waiting through years of appeals only to find that the United States Supreme Court made the wrong decision. Not only are the people hurt and angered by this that were involved, but anyone I talk to is absolutely stunned that the final decision turned out to be a sham. Prince William Sound is still oiled, lives ruined. We don't want Exxon in our state, they are not good "corporate citizens".I hope that the Senate Judiciary will have a hearing on this case. This, in my opinion, was a crime of the court system here in America, biased towards Exxon's favor. We are not a third world country, this is America and the Supreme Court justices who voted in favor of this decision should be held accountable someway. I personally am requesting that this case be heard by the "peoples representatives" of this country. An old maritime law? Outdated and an absolute joke in today's shipping world. Do right for the 30,000 plus plaintiffs and hold a hearing in the Senate. Hold those Judges accountable.
Why have the Republicans been quiet on this outcome? Why?
Thank you
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 1:18 AM link Paul and Michelle M. | Anchorage, AK
My husband and I regulary boat and fish in the Prince William sound in the summer months in Alaska. The damages that were created by the Exxon Valdez oil tanker can still be seen in this pristine body of water. Islands and waterways still have residuals of oil that can be seen on the beaches and the landscape. At times we catch fish and other sea creatures and they have tumors and other skin conditions and we question whether they were caused by the oil spill. The effect on the Prince William Sound in Alaska has not ended 18 years later.We are Alaska residents and we are appalled at the decision that was made by the Supreme Court justices in the Exxon Shipping company vs. Baker case. This was a very grave injustice and shows that even Supreme Court Justices can be "bought" by big business. Exxon Shipping Company has made interest on the money that has been set aside by the company to pay the plaintiffs in this case. They need to pay the interest that is owed to these plaintiffs from the day that the first penalty was awarded. The penalty rightly should be the original damages, as many of these fisherman lost much more than they would be rewarded, had the original punitive damages withstood. You must reverse the decision that the Supreme Court Justices has made. It won't even be a drop in the bucket compared to the money that Exxon has made off of resources of Alaska.
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 1:25 AM link H.R. R. | Palmer, AK
Dear President Bush, Senators Stevens and Murkowski and Representative Young;I'm 72 and now retired. I commercial fished in Prince William Sound until 1998 when I quite largely due to injuries I received while working on the oil spill. My story is like others in the losses I've suffered to the oil spill. But I'm far better off than most, so I'm not so concerned about recovering losses as the injustice of the Supreme Court decision. I've been a Republican since my early rearing in Texas. I'll remain a Republican but I'm enormously disappointed in this court. They have done exactly opposite of what I would have expected of a strict constructionist court, e.g. write law from the bench. It's odd to me that Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be the justice who was against writing law from the bench rather than so-called conservative, constitutional constructionist judges.
I'm also most concerned that this Supreme Court decision has given Exxon license to do environmental and other damage with impunity. How could anyone think this finding was punitive in any way?
As a Republican I want to be on the side of business. I have no problem with oil companies or other companies making a profit. That's the American way. But this has soured me beyond belief. I've often good-naturedly chided liberal friends and democrats for being cynical. Now I feel like joining them. I won't do that, but I'll be most careful about the individual, no matter which party, I vote for. This lawsuit made adversaries of big business and small business. I submit to you that we as commercial fishers are valuable American business people. We just aren't big. It's so sad that so many couldn't see that. Where's the support for small business folk?
Respectfully submitted,
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 1:36 AM link H.R. R. | Palmer, AK
I'm 72 and now retired. I commercial fished in Prince William Sound until 1998 when I quite largely due to injuries I received while working on the oil spill. My story is like others in the losses I've suffered due to the oil spill, but I'm far better off than most. So I'm not so concerned about recovering losses as the injustice of the Supreme Court decision. I've been a Republican since my early rearing in Texas. I'll remain a Republican but I'm enormously disappointed in this court. And frankly I'm embarrassed by their actions. They have done exactly the opposite of what I would have expected of a strict constructionist court, e.g. write law from the bench. It's odd to me that Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be the justice who has spoken out against writing law from the bench rather than so-called conservative, constitutional constructionist judges.I'm also most concerned that this Supreme Court decision has given Exxon license to do environmental and other damage with impunity. How could anyone think this finding was punitive in any way? This is a horrible precedent.
As a Republican I want to be on the side of business. I have no problem with oil companies or other companies making a profit. That's the American way. But this has soured me beyond belief. I've often good-naturedly chided liberal friends and democrats for being cynical. Now I feel like joining them. I won't do that, but I'll be most careful about the individual, no matter which party, I vote for.
Finally, this lawsuit made adversaries of big business and small business. I submit to you that we as commercial fishers are valuable American business people. We just aren't big. It's so sad that so many couldn't see that.
Respectfully submitted,
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 11:21 AM link Jack J. | Cordova, AK
As a victim of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and a working class American I no longer feel justly represented by the judicial system of the U.S.. The Supreme Court of the United States is obviously more concerned with the profits and welfare of corporate America than it is with the hardworking taxpaying patriots in America. Our only hope for justice is for our congressional representatives to rein in the misguided direction the current administration is taking us and regain control of our government. I have been disappointed in the, to little, to late, actions of my representatives in the U.S. congress and admonish you to do the right thing before it is too late for all Americans. Let,s take back America from Big Business and give it back to true Americans before we all become minimum wage earners dependent on the government for our welfare.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 11:26 AM link Hank R. | Palmer, AK
Sincerely,I'm 72 and now retired. I commercial fished in Prince William Sound until 1998 when I quite largely due to injuries I received while working on the oil spill. My story is like others in the losses I've suffered due to the oil spill, but I'm far better off than most. So I'm not so concerned about recovering losses as the injustice of the Supreme Court decision. I've been a Republican since my early rearing in Texas. I'll remain a Republican but I'm enormously disappointed in this court. And frankly I'm embarrassed by their actions. They have done exactly the opposite of what I would have expected of a strict constructionist court, e.g. write law from the bench. It's odd to me that Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be the justice who has spoken out against writing law from the bench rather than so-called conservative, constitutional constructionist judges.
I'm also most concerned that this Supreme Court decision has given Exxon license to do environmental and other damage with impunity. How could anyone think this finding was punitive in any way? This is a horrible precedent.
As a Republican I want to be on the side of business. I have no problem with oil companies or other companies making a profit. That's the American way. But this has soured me beyond belief. I've often good-naturedly chided liberal friends and democrats for being cynical. Now I feel like joining them. I won't do that, but I'll be most careful about the individual, no matter which party, I vote for.
Finally, this lawsuit made adversaries of big business and small business. I submit to you that we as commercial fishers are valuable American business people. We just aren't big. It's so sad that so many couldn't see that.
Respectfully submitted,
Sincerely,
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Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 11:47 AM link Selma O. | Anchorage, AK
The amount ordered by the courts will nether make or break Exxon, but it may for those who they owe.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 12:04 PM link Jessica P. | Anchorage, AK
My husband lost thousands upon thousands of dollars of money in the years following the spill. He was raised in a village that depends on fishing for thier sole income. It amazes me that this decision took 20 years and ended up being a slap in the face. The people of Alaska depended on this money to secure thier future. He wanted to set up a college fund for our children and a retirement account for our golden years. It saddens me that we are struggling day to day to make ends meet while Exxon ended up making more money from this puny decision. It makes me very disappointed in our judical system that this final decision has taken so long. I wish for one year the executives and justices could come and live in our beautiful state and see how hard it is to live and survive in rural Alaska, mabye then they would appreciate our state and way of life a little more.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 12:05 PM link Jessica P. | Anchorage, AK
My husband lost thousands upon thousands of dollars of money in the years following the spill. He was raised in a village that depends on fishing for thier sole income. It amazes me that this decision took 20 years and ended up being a slap in the face. The people of Alaska depended on this money to secure thier future. He wanted to set up a college fund for our children and a retirement account for our golden years. It saddens me that we are struggling day to day to make ends meet while Exxon ended up making more money from this puny decision. I am very disappointed in our judical system that this final decision has taken so long. I wish for one year the executives and justices could come and live in our beautiful state and see how hard it is to live and survive in rural Alaska, mabye then they would appreciate our state and way of life a little more.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 12:46 PM link STEVEN P. | CHASKA, MN
IF A GOVERNMENT CHOOSES TO SERVE ITSELF AND A SELECT FEW,RATHER THAN THE MAJORITY,THEN THE TIME HAS COME FOR THAT MAJORITY TO DIVEST THEMSELVES OF THAT GOVERNMENT,AND ESTABLISH ONE THAT BEST REPRESENTS THEIR INTERESTS.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 3:14 PM link Raymond E. | Chignik Lagoon, AK
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 4:10 PM link Clarence E. | Chignik Lagoon, AK
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 4:18 PM link kenneth b. | seward, AK
we live in the greatest nation on earth! but theres always room for improvement!~one of the areas of improvement needed is for capitalism to develop a conscience, a heart for whats right verses whats the most profitable.our government should not be bought by special interest groups. this was made evident in the exxon spill damages lawsuit.one of the things we as americans need to do is eliminate lifetime supreme court appointments and make the term a ten year appointment, thus insuring that the supreme court is more attuned to present day life status, not required to use 200 year old data, and not allowing a defendant in any case to be allowed to write briefs that affect the particular case. bring back the government to the people and for the people and by the people. not big business, which by the way is starting to develop a foreign face and allowing foreign entities to influence our government through money orientated breifs vs. people orientated government.environmental stewardship is paramount to our long term survival.cultural preservation and enhancement should always be a factor in determining if a major project proceeds. deterents such as large punitive damage awards have a place in doing business. not biased information purchased by the defendant to influence the outcome of disasters such as the exxon valdez oil spill disaster punitive damages decision.this action reminds me of declared martial law.the heartbeat of this nation and our great state of alaska should be measured on the peoples intent, not big business. performance bonds, insurance and memorandum of intent should be carefully placed before big business does operations that affect people and the long term environment, accountability and responsibility needs to be included in every aspect of doing business.my faith in government is fading fast, big business has shown its true colors, the supreme court has failed the people.its time for congressional action to be taken. bring it back to the people, let us decide.i was chairman of our native tribe when the spill occurred, i saw the devastation it wreaked on our people, the ocean, the wildlife, fish, our beaches, i sat across from alyeska and exxon lawyers in giving deposition in this case, from the begining it was apparent that the defendant lawyers did not want this case to have a personal face.in fact, they were downright hostile,this is a major slap in the face of native people and people of alaska and this nation.will it ever end? hmmmm.......????This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 17, 2008 5:13 PM link Montgomery I. | whittier, AK
Legislation from the bench is a travesty of seperation of powers and is on it's face unconstitutional. Please right this Wrong and don't marginalize the will of the founding fathers,the true hero's of America. Respect the Jury system and return justice. I ask this of my representative's.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Fri., Jul. 18, 2008 5:10 PM link Fuzzy F. | Snoqualmie, WA
this issue should be taken up by Congress!NOW!
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Mon., Jul. 21, 2008 9:21 PM link stacy m. | anchorage, AK
My name is Stacy McClinton. My husband (we got married two days ago and I haven't changed my name legally yet) David Tucker is a claimant in the exxon case, and we both grew up on Kodiak Island. I am deeply saddened by how the oil spill damaged the lives of the fisherman and all that lived in fishing communities, and how little is being done about it. Where are our state officials?? Don't they have family and friends hurt and devastated by this disaster? If not for the fact that they are supposed to have our best interests at the forefront, do it for their own selfish interests to help their loved ones affected. It's like their not really Alaskans or weren't personally involved enough to care. The herring is gone! Our salmon have suffered! And, if you all don't remember them steam cooking our beaches and killing everything to look like progress was being made. When the scientists presented this to the Exxon, exxon's reply was that is was "politically impossible." They stated it had to LOOK as if something was being done. Its lie after lie after lie. And as all this is happening, Exxon is trying to make new deals and progress with our state adding insult to injury. What's happening in our state??? What do we have to do? ALASKA SOS! HELP HELP!This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 23, 2008 11:20 PM link Justin B. | Kenai, AK
This is a travesty of justice!This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 23, 2008 11:50 PM link James E. | Wasilla, AK
Please do something so this type of HAZARD doesn't hurt anyone in the future. Like it did to me and many other ALASKANS. We suffered for a long time just to suffer more. So don't let this TRAGEDY happen again in the SUPREME COURT, where the little guy always loses.........This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 2:46 AM link Robert M. | Anchorage, AK
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 3:20 AM link Daniel H. | Anchor Point, AK
Please take this to Congress and let the "People" be heard!I too am a Life Long-Alaskan, and a Cook Inlet Fisheries permit holder.
My family and I have been impacted by this nonsense for years. I too am one of the
people whom has been laid off my original dream career since 1989. We have suffered
our investments dearly to one of the greatest tradgedies in history.
A Wise King finds the wicked, lays them out like wheat, and
runs the crushing wheel over them. Prov. 21:26
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Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 5:19 AM link David H. | Fingal, ND
Yet another story.....After the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill my Father-in-Law lost everything, not only the loss if his wages of a Commercial Fishing Boat Captain, but he lost his boat and was forced to sell his permit. Now, 19 years later look at a perspective from the Alaskan Peninnsula. Take a look at the Sockeye Salmon fishing seasons of the Chignik Area, let alone Halibut and Crab. There has been such a decline of fishing in that area, the City of Chignik has had to file for "Economic Disaster" nearly every year since. Now with the recent disaster of the Trident Seafood Plant burning down, the only processing plant, that town is going to be in worse shape than before.
Now, in defense of the Supreme Court decision of the 1-to-1 ratio, I must say that is only fair, BUT, the $507 mil figure for a one year period loss, should have taken into account of the last 19 years that has been affected. It is my belief that the 1-to-1 ratio, $507 mil figure should be $507 mil every year for a period of 10 years, for a total payout of $5.07 bil. PLUS interest!!!
A period of 10 years should be a long enough time frame for an average individual to re-establish themselves into a new career with the proper education and be making a comparable salary before their loss.
There has got to a change! A change we can Believe In!
Former Village Public Safety Officer Sergeant and former City Council Member of Chignik Bay
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Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 9:57 AM link Cheri M. | Ketchikan, AK
I believe we should take this case all the way to the world court for justice!This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 10:59 AM link James S. | Anchorage, AK
I was an Alaskan Fisherman From age of 18 From 1985 to 2001. I have never seen a Penny From Exxon. The Spill Ruined my chance to break into the Salmon Fishery as an Owner Operator. Senator Stevens and Senator Murkowski have done nothing to help. Senator Stevens has passed laws giving fishing rights to his Cronies, and large Corporations through the Magnison Stevens act. He has pushed out the the local Mom and Pop Businesses in favor of Foreign Corps. (Japan Norway) Through Loop holes left in his bills. I have been pushed out of the Halibut Fishery, Rationaized out of the Crab Fishery, and down sized out of the Codfishery. Now the Supreme Court has made its descision favoring Exxon. I feel like there is no representation for the individual in this society. This is not a Democracy it is a Corpocracy. I was schooled that the times of the Robber Barrons, Monopolys and Charles Dickens Charactors of the 19th Century were long behind us. All it takes to make it in this country is to buy a few Lawyers, spend some money in Washington DC and this is truly the land of Oportunity. For we have the best Goverment money can buy.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:05 AM link Ana A. | Anchorage, AK
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:08 AM link Stephen K. | Anchorage, AK
When 33,000 people are injured and punishment is approximately the same as the bonus to their CEO, there is no significant deterant to future actions.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:26 AM link Got H. | Invisible, AK
For Sale: United States Supreme Court call 1800-EXXONThis comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:39 AM link Tiffany M. | White City, OR
Hi, my name is TiffanyI am writing in regards to the Exxon Oil Spill Litigation. I am very pleased that an amount was agreed upon; I am just astonished at the amount of time it took to get to this point. I understand that 507.5 Million dollars is a lot of money but Exxon not willing to add interest onto this amount is hurtful to all us. We have waited and waited and as gas prices have continued to sky rocket and they have continued to reduce and reduce that amount we are entitled to. Exxon as Oil Company has made so much money that this little amount awards to us plaintiffs would hardly put a dent in there bank account. I don’t think Exxon has any idea how much this settlement would help all of us plaintiffs financially, and I feel we need to come to an agreement and funds to be distributed ASAP. Exxon would be doing a great deed to all of us if they would agree and settle so that we all can move forward.
Thank you for your time,
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Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:51 AM link Jack O. | Yuma, AZ
These ALASKAN fishermen have been through terrible times, Enough!! Give them there fair due.If not i know wher my vote is going.
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Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:51 AM link Nels B. | Freeland, WA
As a taxpaying citizen, my money goes toward paying the salary of each and every Supreme Court justice. My only request is that they be objective in their decisions when interpreting the Constitution. Throwing out the punitive damages that a jury decided on makes little sense. This was a subjective decision that points to the fact that many members of the court are in the pocket of big-business. The action of the Supreme Court must be reviewed, and overturned, by Congress. The balance of power in America is shifting more and more toward large corporations. Is there no justice for the common American worker?This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:52 AM link Jack O. | Yuma, AZ
Dear president BushThese ALASKAN fishermen have been through terrible times, Enough!! Give them there fair due.
If not i know wher my vote is going.
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Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 12:17 PM link Joleen W. | Valdez, AK
This will be the second comment that I have now left. Exxon has now made more money from this oil spill than any other company. I am an Alaskan resident along with a plantiff and enough is enough. What little they will have to pay is no more than a two minute time out for them and allowing it to happen the way it has is a travesty of justice. Lifes were lost, livelihoods were lost, and now finally hope is leaving quickly. Do something about this!This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 2:21 PM link Jack T. | Fallon, NV
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 3:18 PM link Lindsey W. | Kenai, AK
Thu., Jul. 24, 2008 11:17 PM link myron m. | nikiski, AK
Good day,I have personally meet all of you, my grandfather mac mcgahn knew senator ted stevens from the time he started into the political arena. I have meet you personally lisa in washington D.C. at the hart senate building a few years back, and mr young I have meet you in Kenai alaska on a few occasion's and shook your hand.
I am a third generation alaskan commericial fisherman here in nikiski.
Our local economy and your votes are provided by alot of fisherman, so I hope as a representative you take this exxon situation in congreess seriously and you personally help in the reprimand of the us supreme courts and their rulling in the court system.
Support the will of the alaskan people and they will continue to support you.
Sincerly,
m.mcgahan.
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Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 8:59 AM link Jody K. | Cleveland, TX
Please help the Alaskan fishermen get justice. Don't allow Big Oil to rule the world.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 12:38 PM link Deborah A. | Milwaukee, WI
not only is this an outrage, but this opinion needs to be overturned by congress. the supreme went beyond its means. 38,000 people have been waiting for justice.please support lisa murkowski's bill to overturn the ruling as has been done with 75 other cases in the past.
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Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 12:39 PM link Deborah A. | Milwaukee, WI
not only is this an outrage, but this opinion needs to be overturned by congress. the supreme court went beyond its means. 38,000 people have been waiting for justice.please support lisa murkowski's bill to overturn the ruling as has been done with 75 other cases in the past.
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Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 1:38 PM link Roxy M. | Soldotna, AK
I most definitely agree. It is an extreme travesty perputrated by the Supreme Court. To me, it just shows how deep the pockets are of the oil industry and the crooked politicians that we now have running this country.Please try to get some justice for the people of Prince William Sound. The Exxon Valdez oil spill is still affecting the area and the lives of the people that live there. I cannot believe that the Supreme Court went back on the original decision that was made against Exxon.
One of the biggest travesty's of our court system yet.
Roxy Mills
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Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 2:56 PM link Andrew W. | Homer, AK
My name is Andrew Wills.I was a herring and salmon fisherman in Prince William Sound. I made my living there. The spill destroyed my way of life. I won't go into the details here but it was and still is a horrible experience. The harm and the oil are still here. There has not been a herring fishery in the sound for 15 years and Exxon, and apparently the supreme court, couldn't care less. After waiting 19 years for justice, the recent supreme court ruling that reduced the punative award to a fraction was a huge kick in the gut. It left me with zero faith in our justice system. Now there are no checks and balances. Corporations need to be accountable for their actions. This ruling gives the green light for corporations to cut corners. It sets a dangerous precedent where the Corporate citizen has more rights than the hard working people of America. Now there is no punishment to deter Exxon from future recklessness. It leaves 32,000 plaintiffs and their families without justice for the harm incurred. How could this happen? This ruling needs to be overturned by Congress NOW!
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Sat., Jul. 26, 2008 12:06 AM link Arnold M. | Anchorage, AK
Sat., Jul. 26, 2008 7:45 AM link Robert B. | Cudahy, WI
Do the right thing!This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sat., Jul. 26, 2008 9:07 AM link Victor S. | Friday Harbor, WA
The Supreme Court's decision on the Exxon Valdez case is either incredibly ill-informed or mean spirited, and it is a mockrey of justice. I was partially compensated for losses incurred for one year- 1989-yet I've missed 16 years of herring fishing because of the spill. As a result I estimate my actual losses at around $2 million. Essentially I lost the value of my lifes work, 40 years of high -line fishing. I was a very good fisherman-I believe I may still hold the record for the largest single days catch in Bristol Bay-and the spill put me out of business.If the lower court's punitive damages were restored they would still only add up to partial compensation for my actuall losses.
I cannot express to you how bitter I am over the corporate favoritism of the Supreme Court. The award is just about equal to the retirement backage given to ex CEO Lee Raymond.
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Sat., Jul. 26, 2008 2:03 PM link Bert B. | Atascadero, CA
When the Supreme Court of the USA becomes widely known as "Supreme Court, Inc."--the country and and the citizens' faith in the rule of law are in grave danger. The court's ruling in favor of Exxon made it perfectly clear that the court is merely an arm of corporate America and that it could care less about the time-honored legal tradition that relies on a jury made up of ordinary citizens. If this decision remains intact it will be a blemish on American values, demonstrating t the world that American justice is for sale.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 1:17 AM link brian d. | vancouver, WA
Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 8:48 AM link Robert S. | asheboro, NC
stop the corruption that has become so prevailent in our government. (WE THE PROPLE) are getting fed up with it . DO YOU really believe that (WE THE PEOPLE) are that blind or stupid to the point that we don't see your greedy wicked actions ??? just remember ; one day soon,you will have to answer for your actions.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 3:43 PM link Deborah A. | Milwaukee, WI
How could this ruling be left to stand. I agree that The new law made by the court should have been left to Congress.”I hope you will look into and call witnesses on all aspects of this Exxon case: Can you fix maritime law so that it does not wrong-doers? Where does this business of “caps” on punitives come from? How does this Supreme Court calculate the “compensatory damages” that are supposed to figure in the outcome? Did anybody count the natural resource damages “reopener” monies that haven’t even been collected yet and should go to compensate Alaskan natives for cultural damage? And what about the ethics of allowing the Seattle Seven to deal away secretly with Exxon 11% of the original punitive award?
We, the undersigned, request that our elected representatives act in accordance with the Constitution of the United States of America in a legal and expedient manner for an open hearing before the people of the United States and your Congressional law-making bodies. Please leave no stone unturned in exploring this travesty of justice and the particulars of how and why it happened.
In the end, we hope you will be moved yourselves to reinstate the $5 billion award that the jury saw fit to impose. This destruction of an economic asset created by the U.S. jury system should not be undone so cavalierly. While Exxon made it happen, the U.S. let it happen.
We feel it is our patriotic duty to request such action from you, our elected officials, and your duty to respond in a responsible manner.
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Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 10:33 PM link Bonnie M. b. | Milwaukee, WI
Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 10:34 PM link Bonnie M. b. | Milwaukee, WI
Sun., Jul. 27, 2008 10:35 PM link Bonnie M. b. | Milwaukee, WI
Mon., Jul. 28, 2008 1:11 AM link Merrill M. | NIkiski, AK
Mon., Jul. 28, 2008 1:50 PM link Charles P. | Wasilla, AK
This court case has been one travesty after another, starting with the Oil Spill and ending with the Supreme Court ruling. The Court has broken all precedent and legislated from the bench in one horrendous act. Setting a whole new standard for one company in one case, while their colleague benefits financially from their decision, was a complete breach of the public trust and a completely irrational and unethical decision. The final straw was utilizing a study funding by the defendant as the reason justiying the decision. The Legislative branch needs to take back its power from the courts, and to rectify this unethical and inappropriate act.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Mon., Jul. 28, 2008 1:52 PM link Charles P. | Wasilla, AK
This court case has been one travesty after another, starting with the Oil Spill and ending with the Supreme Court ruling. The Court has broken all precedent and legislated from the bench in one horrendous act. Setting a whole new standard for one company in one case, while their colleague benefits financially from their decision, was a complete breach of the public trust and a completely irrational and unethical decision. The final straw was utilizing a study funded by Exxon as the justification for the decision. The Legislative branch needs to take back its power from the courts, and to rectify this unethical and inappropriate act.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 4:45 AM link Katherine T. | Kenai, AK
I live in Alaska and witnessed this drunken act of 1989. Our hearts were broken at the time and to have this unjust ruling 20 years later, tears our hearts out.This is not justice, it is a slap in the face to the hard working people of Alaska (and America), we have no protection from such cowardly acts. And this decision proves that point. When will these burdens be taken off the backs of the working people, instead of being added.
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Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 7:28 AM link Pamela P. | Seattle, WA
The president and congress should be protectors of our great land and ensure the future of fish and wild life rather than big business. Once again the Great law makers rules in favor of big business rather than protectors of our great lands and water.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 10:51 AM link Kent H. | Roslindale, MA
It is deplorable that after despoiling one of this countries most beautiful areas, killing countless marine life, destroying the careers and health of many US Citizens that Exxon-Mobile has mitigated their financial losses. They should be held accountable for the result of their actions. There is no way that the impact of the oil spill can be undone or rectified no matter how much money they paid, but, what the Supreme Court has done is to limit their liability to a tiny fraction of what they should be required to pay in restitution and damages, helping that economy and ecosystem recover.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 12:07 PM link Perry S. | Wasilla, AK
The punitive damages should not be confused with the cleanup monies that Exxon paid. These are to prevent this tragedy from happening again.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 12:26 PM link matt l. | soldotna, AK
I think everyone missed the point.... This wasnt about punitive damages. It was about liability, destruction of a pristine environment, lost income and livelyhood and complete desimation of a entire fishery.... My wadges lost 20 years ago will far exceed the ammount i receive without any consideration to deflation. I think Exxon is making the PR mistake of the companys history if they have future plans for Alaska..... I suppose not everyones mother taught their children to do the right thing....This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 2:17 PM link Darren W. | Tampa, FL
In a time of record profits for this company and the industry at large while the nation suffers to fight a war on the behalf of the industry, I am disgusted that someone would suggest reducing penalties for prior sins against the same American people.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Tue., Jul. 29, 2008 11:29 PM link Jess B. | Anacortes, WA
What a sham, the rich get richer at the expense of the middle class working family.Exxon did a great job of stringing this out until Bush could appoint a few more pro rich, pro business, anti working joe justices in place.
While I'm not suprised, it is still wrong.
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Wed., Jul. 30, 2008 10:43 AM link William F. | Republican City, NE
In 1989, President Bush senior decided that Exxon would be responsible to restore the damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill and elected not to designate the area a national disaster area, providing assistance to those damaged by the spill.Exxon has failed to follow through with it's responsibilities and assurances. The Federal government has been saved Billions of dollars by turning the restoration over to Exxon, who in turn has avoided Billions of dollars in damages via their legal manipulation.
Congress should keep in mind their responsibility to the public, as they did for victims of the World Trade Center attack and New Orleans flood victims.
I was a business owner in the oiled area, and housed Exxon executives for management of the spill cleanup. I was in a position to overhear various conversations by the Exxon executives and their employees whose favorite saying was "We've got more money than God & can do whatever we want!" Evidently they were being forthright.
Sincerely, William L. Foster Perl Island Lodge, Homer, AK
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Wed., Jul. 30, 2008 2:49 PM link Jennifer M. | Pingree Grove, IL
In addition to the letter above it is worth noting that the are of Alaska is much to beautiful and precious to be wasted on anything like an oil spill or oil drilling. The people who were hard workers should be properly compensated for their losses the way victims of other tragedies are compensated. Going forward, we should spend more money on developing alternative fuels, tax incentives for fuel effiencient vehicles, etc... instead of trying to drill in Alaska. I was lucky enough to visit Alaska recently and shudder to think that my children may not be able to see the glaciers and mountains in their splendor because we can't seem to figure out how to make other sources of energy work.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Jul. 30, 2008 5:14 PM link Julie S. | Kenai, AK
I was saddened to here of the Exxon Valdez Ruling.....Exxon 40 Billion in Profits for 2007-(1 year), and the Supreme Court won't make them pay!!!!
This decision needs overturned I don't know what they were thinking that day.
Another ruling the same day "No Death Penalty for Child Rapist w/ No intention to Kill"
Any Child Rapist needs the Death Penalty - There is no cure for a Pedophile.
Somebody needs to over turn the rulings on that day it is a DISGRACE to Alaska and Children, What kind of a Country are we living in that a Court rules against these two things.
Mother
Ex Cannery Worker for 20 Years
Administrative - North Slope
Julie S
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Wed., Jul. 30, 2008 6:39 PM link Mary R. | Terrebonne, OR
Exxon signed a pledge to the people of Alaska to protect Prince William Sound, before they began exporting oil out of the Sound. Exxon knowingly, and willingly made the choice to put someone of diminished capacity in charge of one of their tankers who then attempted to pilot that tanker through the Sound. We all know how that turned out. Exxon has been able to manipulate their way through our legal system; avoiding taking responsibilty for their actions. Make no mistake, this is about taking responsibility for one's choices and actions. Punitive damages as I understand it, is about making sure one doesn't make that same mistake again. Our constitution was crafted to provide guidance and clarifications of our laws that we live by. The Supreme Court has chosen to disregard the constitution and has instead made their own law. Clearly, this is not what our founding fathers had intended. Not only has the Supreme Court has shown an appalling lack of regard and respect for the men and women who made up the jury that rendered judgement of Exxon, but they have again demonstrated that same lack of regard and respect toward the men and women in Congress who have chosen to uphold and protect that same constitution. It's now up to you our elected officials to come forward and undo this travesty. I am asking you to acknowlege our constitution and the will of the people, and reinstate the full amount of the $5 billion award that was awarded to the victims of the Valdez Oil Spill.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 31, 2008 12:06 PM link Van S. | Kenai,, AK
Thu., Jul. 31, 2008 4:52 PM link Barry V. | Soldotna, AK
When the Supreme Court writes law as they did in this case it removes the check and balance of power granted to me by the Constitution. Congress must re-establishe the check and balance process by re-instating the lower courts decision.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Thu., Jul. 31, 2008 5:06 PM link Kim S. | Eagle Mountain, UT
I was born and raised in Alaska, and this affect me and my family!!!! What a outrage to deminish us like this. My parents lost a lot of money and while this has been twisted up in the system for ages, its sad to hear that the government doesn't care. I worked in the fish canneries at the time, and was required to sign a "hush agreement" saying they would pay me about $1000 and never speak of it again. As a teenager, you don't think of it other than 'thanks for the some of the money I lost'. There were so many people who lost out, hundreds that were in this law suit, and hundreds more who were not allowed or didn't even know about it!We need to trust in our Government, and so much of our Government is letting us down. I Trust President Bush in so much of what he has done for this country and am Proud to be an American!!! I just wish more people were proud enough to do what was right!
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Thu., Jul. 31, 2008 11:49 PM link Philip S. | Kenai, AK
The spill 20 years was a lifestyle shattering event.This verdict was another life changing event. After being basically and actively conservative for my whole life, it's a pretty bitter pill to see the rhetoric against activist courts tossed out when the true master demands. Souter, Scalia and Thomas should be truly ashamed.
The corporate rot extends well beyond this court case. The current indictments and convictions of Alaska politicians in the ongoing FBI investigation of VECO is proof of how far the rot extends. Everyone should remember who Exxon's contractor for the spill clean up was (VECO). I wonder why, as the indictments & convictions unfold, no one is asking who's money was used to bribe and corrupt. It appears VECO was still acting as an Exxon contractor and bag man.
It looks like very soon the political tide is turning. The corrupt hypocrites on the "conservative" side of the supreme court will get lonely as their numbers dwindle. The white house and congress are swinging hard to port (to the left). Exxon and other corrupt companies have sowed the seeds of destruction for the republican party, and unfortunately it couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch of hypocrites. Pretty soon, the ire against corporate excesses is going to bring in punitive changes in laws and taxes. I feel sorry but powerless for the ethical companies and for balance in the USA as a whole, but cheer it on for Exxon and the republicans. Bring on the bat.
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Fri., Aug. 1, 2008 3:49 AM link Shawn C D. | Kodiak, AK
From the desk of Shawn C. Dochtermann,I must add to the letter I have signed onto to review the ruling on the Exxon Shipping Co. Vs. Baker, as I am a commercial fisherman and have lived in Kodiak, Alaska for the past 30 years.
This country has fallen to an all time, as the US Congress has made laws to protect the American people from corporations like Exxon failing to take responsibility for their actions in spilling oil, but then the US Supreme Court does a terrible job of interpreting these laws .
I flew over the spill days after it happened, as I was returning from a commercial fishing trip in Hawaii . When I looked down at the devastation of oil spread throughout Prince William Sound, I realized how careful we need to be with our environment.
The many communities in the Gulf of Alaska are still feeling the affects of the 1989 spill. There is still oil under the sand and rocks on beaches from Prince William Sound to the lower Shelikov Strait. After viewing much of Alaska's coast line which is majestic in its beauty, it is a crime that Exxon does not take responsibility to clean these beaches and pay reasonable punitive damages to those in Alaska that deserve them.
This is a true travesty if the Congress and the President of these United States does nothing to uphold the laws to protect American Citizens against entities that only work to serve a master with no conscience.
Therefore, I implore you to take action forthwith, and have the Judiciary Committees of the US House and Senate investigate this ruling , or an executive order to overrule the Supreme Court. Where are the checks and balances if all three branches can't supercede another. The Constitution of the United States of America needs to be followed at all costs to protect the liberties of her people.
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Fri., Aug. 1, 2008 8:50 AM link Keith W. | Cherryville, NC
I want you to keep congress in session until they do something about energy. They are doing nothing but trying to be elected. We need term limits in congress. We should not vote for anyone who has been in office for more than TWO Terms. Longer than that they tend to become crooks. Like Dodd, Haster, the guy from Dokota, etc. The corruption is not in just one party.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Fri., Aug. 1, 2008 11:59 AM link Peter R. | Seattle, WA
Please undo this gross injustice. Exxon has plenty of black money. Make them pay and do what's right for the American people.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Fri., Aug. 1, 2008 12:58 PM link George H. | Soldotna, AK
Exxon made 12 BILLION dollars this last quarter that is 1BILLION per week there were fined less than four days wages. THIS is WRONG. I have faithfully served on jury duty for almost forty years I will never serve on another one. There is NO JUSTICE in our court system. George HeaverleyThis comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sat., Aug. 2, 2008 2:21 PM link Martine C. | Kodiak, AK
I live on Kodiak Island and many of my friends were hurt by the Exxon Valdez accident. The settlement is an insult to the people and the wildlife of this state. I do not feel protected by the people we elected - the final decision is a disgrace for our justice system and yet another example where money talks louder than pain, death & destruction.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 2:15 AM link LARRY C. | ABERDEEN, WA
Another example of corporate America putting it to the little guy. Sooner or later the public will wake up and realize we have the votes to change the way business is done in this country. Please be part of the coming paradigm shift and help us with this corporate giant.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 12:01 PM link Virginia C. | Saint Helens, OR
I was shocked and disgustedwith the courts action, another fine example of how the oil companies have corrupted our government, who says thiscountry is free and just for everyday folks, I don't anymore, Here in POrtland recently a malprractice cap was lifted agaist OHSU to give 1 family a hugeamout ofmoney from a non-profit hospital and as a result programs for the poorand low income are being cut!!! The poor and the working class americans don't matter anymore, THIS IS GEORGE W BUSHS LEGACY!!!!HOW DOES THIS MAN EVER SLEEP? I guess he has secret service and all his big business buddiesto comfort him.
PLEASE HELP THE FISHERMEN, MY 2 BROTHERS HAVE LOST THIER HOMES businesses etc, they are 3rd generation fishermen, unfortunately this isa legacy lost
thanks to our goverment of $$$$
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Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 5:16 PM link James A. H. | Palmer, AK
Initially 20 years ago, I submitted paperwork for losing the priviledge of commerical fishing for halibut. Apparently there was further paperwork which I was not notified of and now I'm told that I cannot receive any compensation that might be distributed to others who have lost their right to fishing because of the Exxon spill. However, the people who will be getting some compensation. should not be penalized because of the act of the Supreme Court decision as well as Exxon minimizing the amount that should be given to all involved.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 5:24 PM link James A. H. | Palmer, AK
Initially 20 years ago, I submitted paperwork for losing the privilege of commercial fishing for halibut. Apparently there was further paperwork which I was not notified of and now I'm told that I do not qualify and cannot receive any compensation that might be distributed to others who have lost their right to fishing because of the Exxon spill. However, the people who will be getting some compensation, should not be penalized because of the act of the Supreme Court decision as well as Exxon minimizing the amount that should be given to all involved.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 12:49 AM link Ronald C. | Warrenton, OR, OR
It is time that real justice is done. Congress is the lawmaking body, not the U. S. Supreme Court. That verdict was not punitive. It was not even a slap on the wrist.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Mon., Aug. 4, 2008 11:12 AM link Roland M. | Kasilof, AK
The Supreme Court's decision on Exxon is Wrong ,wrong, wrong. These judges have lost the support of thousans of citizens. Congress, please if possible, put the 5 billon jury award in effect by over ridding the judges.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 3:06 PM link Eric W. | South Jordan, UT
Eric Wadsworth.Here are my own comments:
I'm a 3rd generation commercial fisherman from Alaska. Or at least, I used to be, before the bank took our boat. After the oil spill, the industry died.
The primary duty of government in a capitalistic economy is to protect the country and its citizens from abuses by monopolies, whose duty is to their shareholders. This is not happening! Exxon, with their cultural tolerance for alcoholism, hired a known drunk to drive the supertanker.
The suffering continues today. They mayor of Cordova committed suicide, asking that his ashes be scattered on Bligh Reef, the site of the spill. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil keeps beating it's own record profits, the highest of any company in the history of the world. The economy is in a death spiral, with fuel prices out of control, and the government is doing NOTHING.
Well, almost nothing: I guess the judiciary arm is making laws now, specifically laws saying that Exxon shouldn't be punished for more than they compensated. How much did the supreme court cost, I wonder? We have proof that Veco bought Senator Stevens of Alaska. Did you know that Veco is in bed with Exxon, to the tune of millions of dollars for the Exxon cleanup?
So five of the nine supremes say that punitive damages should be capped at the compensatory fine. But they only compensated for 1989's loss... What about the juries, all the decades of investigation that finally came to a sum of $2.5 billion dollars? And those are 1989 dollars, not 2008 dollars! Thanks to Exxon, our dollar is worth half of what it used to be. This represents about a day's worth of profits. Some punishment! I'm so glad they are deterred from screwing up again.
Save us, government! Do your job! Our country is being violently raped by Big Oil, ExxonMobil in particular. What else can I say? Can't anyone do anything? Is it time to get out the guns and make an improvement to our government? Will a hundred thousand angry armed citizens converging on Washington be enough to send a message?
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Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 4:06 PM link Michael T. | anacortes, WA
Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 6:29 AM link Michael H. | Hat Creek, CA
Its way past time that any Government elected official, Supreme Court Justice, Congressman or Senators and their family's not be allowed to "gamble" invest in the stock market.Obvious reasons, their decsions in government should be based solely as to what is best for the people who put them into office, not possible down turns in their investments be it direct or indirect.
The Supreme Courts Justice that could not do the job he was and is paid to do because of a conflict in interest. He held stock in EXXON. Shame on him.
First shame on him for holding stock in this company, secondly for not being able to do his job because he held the stock. What?, money or his own self interests would cloud his judgment. If that is the case is he fit to preside on any case. Any ruling against Business Interests are going to affect the Wall Street and therefore affect those invested in it.
These people of privilege have ample funds and if they don't they vote themselfs more. My vote goes to the politician that sells all his portfolio and gives it to the charity of his choice. Live within his means and votes on issues that won't affect him personally, which he can not do if his savings are invested in Wall Street.
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Fri., Aug. 8, 2008 9:33 AM link Jody K. | Cleveland, TX
Please make an effort to right the wrong decision of the Supreme Court. They made a horrible mistake, and I am back in Texas where I belong, but needed and counted on the settlement Mr. Bush, since 1989. For the court to delay for so long, deliberate, make us believe EXXON would be made to do the right thing and pay us for the loss of income. Then to deny us the interest. That was the last straw. Please Help US.This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!
Fri., Aug. 8, 2008 4:31 PM link Ted C. | KENAI, AK
I urge you and congress to right the horrible wrong that was done by the Supreme Court. We are entitled to our JURY TRAIL and no individual appointed judge should be allowed to strip us of our jury trail result. The action taken by the Supreme Court was legislative in nature and not in response to Exxon's appeal. Congress, not the High Court, should be making law. PLEASE, I URGENTLY PRESS YOU TO HAVE CONGRESS INVESTIGATE AND CORRECT THIS TRAVESTY OF INJUSTICE.Ted Crookston, Alaska Commercial Fisherman
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Fri., Aug. 8, 2008 4:32 PM link Ted C. | KENAI, AK
I urge you and congress to right the horrible wrong that was done by the Supreme Court. We are entitled to our JURY TRAIL and no individual appointed judge should be allowed to strip us of our jury trail result. The action taken by the Supreme Court was legislative in nature and not in response to Exxon's appeal. Congress, not the High Court, should be making law. PLEASE, I URGENTLY PRESS YOU TO HAVE CONGRESS INVESTIGATE AND CORRECT THIS TRAVESTY OF INJUSTICE.Ted Crookston, Alaska Commercial Fisherman
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Sat., Aug. 9, 2008 1:25 PM link Mike B. | Monroe, WA
This by far is the worse jugement against the people and for big buisness I have ever witnessed andunfortunately been apart. Who makes sure that the supreme court does what a law says who is watching over them to make sure they do justice. Why are we here again waiting for the interest part to be decided. Never has the interest part been thrown out on a punitive damage award and yet we are here waiting for the supreme court to rule on it. How can you have any faith in the justice system when you see all the time that the guy with all the money or the big corporations get off with little or no penalty. What a disgrace to are system. Why is water pollution any different then land pollution. The fact that many water polluters don't ever get caught. How many times can you kick someone and still have no justice.
Here is a case that that makes you wonder what is really going on with are justice system the case is Exxon Mobil v. Joseph Grefer, 07-1055.
This case concerns only 33 acres.
In 1989, Exxon contaminated 1,500 miles of Alaska shorelines and 10,000 square miles or 6,400,000 acres in Prince William Sound (the size of Vermont). Going by the Grefer case, Exxon owes us Alaskans $12.6 trillion in fines.
The case began in 1997 when a former Louisiana judge, Joseph Grefer, and his family sued Exxon, alleging that a contractor had contaminated the family's land with radioactive waste.
The contractor cleaned pipes for Exxon Mobil and other oil companies and left the waste, which occurs as a normal result of oil and gas production, on the property. None of the Grefers was sickened by the waste.
The Grefers were initially awarded $1 billion in punitive damages and $56 million in compensatory damages by a Louisiana jury. The Louisiana appeals court ultimately reduced the punitive award to $112 million.
Lawyers for the Grefers urged the court to reject Exxon's appeal, arguing that the company has already paid the damage award and rendered the case moot.
Exxon Mobil Corp. suffered a defeat at the Supreme Court as the justices refused to consider an appeal by the oil giant of a $112 million damage award in an environmental lawsuit.
Here The Supreme Court does not hear the case the 1 (Judge) gets 112 million.
Here in 32000 people get 500 million How it affected so many destroyed so many lively hoods and still does damage to Prince William Sound.
Where is are justice. I am asking you to be my voice for justice please.
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Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 8:05 PM link Teela L. | Bellingham, WA
Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 8:07 PM link Teela L. | Bellingham, WA
Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 9:36 AM link Brian O. | Kansas City, MO
Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 10:25 AM link William S. | Soldotna, AK
Wed., Aug. 13, 2008 12:02 PM link William s. | Kenai, AK
This countries founders gave serious and considerate thought and words to promote and to preserve the will and the welfare of the people of this nation. Over time these ideals have been diluted to the point that it is now essentially the will and the welfare of those in possession of the power and the M-O-N-E-Y that commands essential interests. While I am not so naive as to suggest that this shift has recently occurred, it is incumbent upon you all, as elected representatives of the people of this nation, and as the supposed leaders of the government of this nation, to demand, at all costs, including your own, that our country pursues a path that will allow for the evolution of our society that surpasses and subdues simplistic and primitive need for gross imbalances of power and money.This is not some sort of candy land, flower power ideology. It will in fact determine the survival of our country and the ideals which promoted its conception.
Eighteen years of litigation, the tolerance and the facilitation of Exxon playing fast and loose with law and ideology which the common man is held to, the Supreme Court's abuse enabled by a system of "justice" that has lost the meaning of accountability when confronted by power and money, and the willingness of our elected "leaders" to look the other way while 30+ thousand common people are trifled with and violated must stop.
We teach our children one set of values, with a greed for money and power we enable quite another.
Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker is a criminal example of the worst of America !
For the sake of this great nation and for its citizens yet born, please demand due consideration of its citizens in all respects. Industry, big money and corrupt power will always take care of itself. For years if not centuries oppressed people living on the European continent dreamed and fought for a better and more deserving existence. We must do the same. You must do the same, as will always be the yoke of a truly free and evolving humankind.
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