If you want to see something funny and your favorite episode of the Big Bang Theory has bee pre-empted by an NFL game, I suggest you watch one of the commercials for an oil company. They are hilarious. They’re full of half-truths, misrepresentations, and out and out lies. The general tenor of the ads is one of caring. You’d think oil companies were the greatest companies on the face of the earth. Instead, they are nothing but comic-strip versions of companies participating in serious environmental disasters.
The Koch in 2003 made $115 billion almost all of it going to conservative groups. Their stated goal is to influence the presidential election and they plan to spend $889 million in 2016 to do it. This despite the fact they are one of the companies who benefit from global warming. Here’s a Koch ad.
The advertisement talks about jobs, opportunities, new technologies, midwestern roots, and America. Nothing about global warming, the increase in income inequality they foster, or their belief in Citizen’s United.
Here’s a BP advertisement from a British company that made $359 billion in 2014.
Remember, this is the company that had the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. Eleven people went missing and 210 million of gallons of oil were poured into the Gulf of Mexico. No wonder they are updating the public on their efforts at cleanup. Reports are that as of 2012 the well was still leaking.
The last thing oil companies want to talk about is fossil fuels since they provide the gas they sell and contribute to global warming. This despite the need for renewable energy sources to keep the planet safe.
Some of the other big American oil companies and their profits are Exxon-Mobil $394 billion, Valero Energy at $131 billion, and Marathon Petroleum at $98 billion.
Since congress passed the Citizen’s United law, oil companies have taken full advantage of this new-found wealth stream. Add to this the lessening of regulatory rules and it is clear that oil companies have taken advantage of the American public in greater amounts. Big business was the reason we faced the financial crisis of 2007. However, the same issues continue to face America today.
I have found it strange that so many Americans continue to vote against their own self-interest. Especially since our country appears to have been taken over by greedy businessmen who deny climate change, take away the safety net from the poor and middle class, and enrich themselves at the expense of others no matter how it affects America as a whole. It seems obvious that those who support these greedy businessmen are conservatives. One of the tools they use is advertising to make the public believe things that are not true. I came to social work from the business world and I can tell you that advertising is all about lying. Oil companies have taken this tool and added steroids. They lie more than politicians. My advice is to question everything and remain suspicious when making decisions within the realm of advertising.