Bob Marshall, outdoors editor for the Times Picayune scored a whopper in his editorial of December 12 titled, "Our Abusive Relationship With Big Oil." As a person who has spent a lot of time outdoors in Louisiana Mr. Marshall knows first hand the damage the Oil and Gas Industry is responsible for concerning our marshes, wet lands and coastal area.
Mr. Marshall points out how big oil uses political cash and threats of job cuts to get its way with politicians. He reports the industry bullied the state into allowing marsh-killing dredging for wells and pipe lines, and that the devastating damage was known but the state still allows it today. He also points out our elected officials protect the abusers. Mr. Marshall has credibility on the issue.
This writer has written a number of post commentary concerning the subject matter in the recent past, especially since the oil spill and pointed out how the oil industry and their lobby and wealth has paid off for them with our elected officials. It was also pointed out in those commentaries how elected officials were doing the oil industry's bidding during the spill by opposing the moratorium.
The only thing lacking in Mr. Marshall's editorial was former Governor David Treen's support for CWEL, (Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy) Legislation that would have exacted a price from the industry and used to restore the damage they caused. Our elected officials have refused to even consider CWEL as a means to have the oil industry pay up for their abuse of the environment.
Elected officials in Louisiana do not have the character, leadership or courage to stand up to the industry concerning the environmental damage they have caused the state and its people who have been paying the tab. The BP spill has taught them nothing. When the oil industry spreads their wealth, our elected officials stand up and listen. There can be no doubt the influence and role campaign contributions play in our political system It is no wonder the average citizen comes last.
