March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Corporate negligence

One extremely upsetting ghost of the mega-corporate merger between Exxon and Mobil is the financial and moral obligation of Exxon still owing restitution to the residents of Cordova, Alaska. More than 10 years ago, due to the negligence of Exxon employees, the supertanker Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of petroleum into Prince William Sound. This act upset the lives of 2,500 Americans. The hellish disaster destroyed a fishing industry that families respected because it would have provided a livelihood for future generations. The corporate thoughtlessness continues to take a devasting toll on the mental health of the community.

Similar to bringing up a child, a corporation expects and needs the thoughtful guidance of the customer in order for it to succeed. A child without the love and supervision will often face overwhelming challenges. If it takes a village to raise a child, it will take the entire nation to raise this new mega-corporation to be socially responsible.

It would devastate the people of Maine if a supertanker dumped its petroleum into her waters. Mainers would gather to help each other. In the Exxon Valdez case, there is a court order to pay $5.2 billion to the families who are suffering which Exxon refuses to distribute. Cordova is our neighbor and its community is in need of Maine and the nation’s help and support now. Should we buy the products of an irresponsible corporation? Christopher A. Parsons Bucksport


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