"We can't let little countries screw around with big companies like this -- companies that have made big investments around the world."
"The ultimate issue here is Ecuador has mistreated a U.S. company," said one Chevron lobbyist who asked not to be identified talking about the firm's arguments to U.S. officials.
"We can't let little countries screw around with big companies like this -- companies that have made big investments around the world."
from "Chevron hires lobbyists to squeeze Ecuador in toxic-dumping case," Newsweek, Aug. 4, 2008
Is there a sentient being anywhere who thinks Chevron -- which made $18 billion in profit last year and will likely top that this year -- shouldn't pay something to restore the damage it caused in Ecuador?
Ishikoff, one of Washington's best investigative reporters, reveals that the Bush administration is considering revoking Ecuador's preferential trade status because a court there has crossed Chevron. If that's not GATT-illegal it should be. Let's hope the next president, whether Obama or McCain, understands that free trade depends on a free and independent judiciary that might (gasp!) hold U.S. companies accountable for their actions.
