GORE AND THE DESTRUCTION OF INDIANS’ LAND AND CULTURE
Gore Gives Occidental Oil Company A Pass. . .
In 2000, Gore Has Been Deafeningly Silent On Occidental Oil Company’s Destruction Of The Indigenous U’was’ Tribal Lands And Culture:
SNIP
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) Says "No More Blood For Oil" And Accuses Gore Of "Remain[ing] Silent." "I am concerned that the operations of oil companies, and in particular Occidental Petroleum, are exacerbating an already explosive situation, with disastrous consequences for the local indigenous [U’wa Indians]. . . I am contacting you because you have remained silent on this issue despite your strong financial interests and family ties with Occidental."
(Ken Silverstein, "Gore’s Oil Money; Occidental Petroleum and United States Foreign Policy in Colombia," The Nation, May 22, 2000) (emphasis added)
"The location of the drill site represents a serious disregard for the spiritual and cultural heritage of the U’wa people. . . . Oil drilling on U’wa land will result in considerable environmental damage and social conflict which will lead to greater militarization of the region as well as an increase in violence. The only way to avoid this tragedy is through respect for the rights of the U’wa under Colombian and international law. Sadly, both the Colombian government and Occidental Petroleum have disregarded these rights. If Occidental Petroleum begins drilling, which they say they could do at any time, it will be [sic] catastrophe. Respect for democracy, human and environmental rights are much more important than cash for capitalistic corporations, stated McKinney."
(Rainforest Action Network: U’wa Campaign, "‘Suspend Occidental Petroleum’s Drilling’ Says Congresswoman McKinney," February 22, 2000; Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Press Release, "‘No More Blood For Oil.’ Says McKinney," February 22, 2000) (emphasis added) "Today, hope for the U’wa and other victims of human rights abuses in Colombia lies in your hands." (Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Press Release, "‘No More Blood For Oil.’ Says McKinney," February 22, 2000
Link to webpage presenting facts that Al Gore does NOT want his liberal/ecology minded supporters to see!
http://crm114.com/algore/bigoil.html