Does anyone care that Exxon lies?

Question

Exxon-Mobile isn't just helping to contaminate the atmosphere. It's trying to contaminate the public awareness of global warming as well.

A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists concluded that Exxon donated $15+ Million in 2006 to groups that, "don't speak for the company," but that are set up to spread their propaganda anyway. It's a little scheme called "idea laundering" or something that the PR industry calls "astroturfing". They put the money and propaganda into groups that will do their bidding. Then they say, "The groups do not speak for the company." The groups confirm it, of course.

This is a bit like Bill Clinton saying that he did not have sexual relations with, "that woman." It depends on how you define "sexual relations" or, in Exxon's case, "...speaking for." True, they didn't give the groups the money to be Exxon's spokespeople. Exxon just needed them to say that global warming could be part of the normal cycle of the earth. The difference is merely semantic.

Answer 1

Not in particular. What about BP, Shell, Chevron? Aren't they just all the same? Why does UCS care about Exxon-Mobil and not the other big oil companies?

Answer 2

Other than standing on your soapbox, do you have a point? Or even a question? You are just making grandstand statements.

Sure they are lying about 1 thing or another. Just like Clinton. Just like countless other corporations do. Just like every politician does. Are you proposing a solution to this problem or are you planing a protest rally of some sort?

Answer 3

I don't care. If you can get a million people that do care and will stick together on point, Ill join your crusade. Until then you are blowing in the wind.

Answer 4

I don't care. I made money on their stock.