On February 29, 2012, the New Orleans contingent of the Occupy Wall Street movement participated in the nationwide Corporate Day of Action by protesting against a possible BP settlement in front of the Federal Courthouse. Activists joined in a mock funeral for the Gulf. The trial, scheduled to begin on February 27th, was delayed by Judge Carl Barbier for a week in hopes a settlement can be reached. If a trial comes to pass, it could take over a year to complete since there are multiple plaintiffs suing BP after the largest oil spill in American history. The protesters are against a settlement. They want the case to be heard in court so it will be public record. Cherri Foylin, a Plaquemines Parish environmental activist, thinks Gulf Coast residents need a seat at the table or at least in the courtroom and doesn't trust that an equitable settlement can be reached behind closed doors. Darla Rooks, a shrimper who came to the protest in her fishing boots, fears that the the real damage done to the environment and the health of Gulf Coast residents will never be known if there is a settlement. Protest organizer Elizabeth Cook said she believes all settlements made under the Obama administration have favored corporations and that everyone needs to see and hear the evidence prepared for this trial. During the protest, Kindra Arnesen held up pictures of people and animals sickened since the spill, a man dressed as tent monster danced in front of the courthouse entrance and others made sure those who drove down Poydras Street knew the Occupy movement's presence in New Orleans hasn't gone away. To see more pictures check out a set on Flickr
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Thanks for all your hard work. We are with you here in Florida
ReplyDeleteTrisha Springstead RN MS
BP will contiue to rip off the people of the Gulf with Obamas blessing. I wish I could say that there will be a favorable outcome for everything affected by the oil spill.However based on how big corporations never have to be fully accountable anymore all I can do is pray that victims will be compensated to the full extent. As for the wildlife, the public must itinerate loudly that this will be a dead zone for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should encourage the Occupy Wall Street movement to get involve to help disabled claimants in the BP oil spill litigation. Because, as of now, only the interests of well-financed claimants are being represented by the attorneys that are tasked with representing all claimants:
ReplyDeleteThe Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans With Disabilities Act, and prior Supreme Court cases, require that the new fund set up to compensate Plaintiff Steering Committee attorneys, that withhold 6% of settlements, as ordered by Judge Barbier, http://www.laed.uscourts.gov/OilSpill/OilSpill.htm BE JUSTIFICATION for these attorneys to provide extended representation to disabled claimants---Even if these attorneys obtain settlement agreements for their primary clients. Please bring this to the attention of others.