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Subscribe to RSSWhen your company has been at the root of this country's biggest environmental disaster, you have to choose your words carefully. Businesses are suffering, and emotions among those living along the oil-stained Gulf coast are raw. And so when the chairman of BP, Carl-Henric Svanberg said after his meeting with President Obama today that BP cares "about the small people," a lot of us winced. Surely it was a linguistic, or perhaps a cultural faux pas. None of us for a moment would like to think Mr. Svanberg, who is Swedish, was talking down to or belittling the victims of this disaster. Just before stepping in front of the mics, he had agreed, albeit under White House pressure, to put $20 billion of his company's money into an escrow account to pay for claims from the oil leak.
Listening to his entire impromptu give and take with reporters it seemed he was trying to make the point that BP, despite the stereotype image of greedy oil companies has genuine concern for those who have suffered from this crisis. The term "small people," however got in the way of that message, and as our Ron Mott will report from the Gulf tonight it has enraged a lot of people he was hoping to reassure.
Mr. Svanberg has been mostly in the shadows during this crisis, as BP CEO Tony Hayward became the public face. Mr. Hayward's mention to reporters that he wanted his "life back" similarly garbled the company's message a few weeks back. Any of us who speak extemporaneously before a live TV camera know you are bound to eventually bumble a thought or say something you regret. Nine times out of 10, the viewer gives you the benefit of the doubt. At a time like this, BP faces a nearly empty reservoir of good will, and as they are painfully learning again, words as much as deeds count for a lot.
Full coverage of the crisis including new progress in the effort to siphon the oil tonight on NBC Nightly News. Please join us.
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This is nothing like Tony Hayward's comment. He's English, there was no language barrier, and his comment was offensive and disgusting.
I don't know how fluent Mr. Svanberg is in English, but being that it is not his first language, I am willing to overlook what may well have been simply a poor choice of words in translating his thoughts. The intent behind the comment was clear, that they care about and have not forgotten about the shrimpers, fishermen, blue collar oil rig workers, all the people who make less than six figures, often much less. Having lived in Europe for a couple years, more than once I unintentionally insulted a few Belgians in my efforts to express my thoughts in French. Whether or not he was sincere and truly cares about the lives of the gulf coast residents, I don't know. But I do think it was likely a babelfish-esque error.
I know people are on edge and angry, quick to bristle at any hint of the selfish, condescending attitudes of gazillionaire executives of companies responsible for ruining our livelihoods. We had more than enough of that from the financial sector over the past two years, and we have become even more inherently distrustful of anyone sitting at the top of a billion dollar industry. But before we grab our pitchforks and march off to lynch a Swedish executive, let's remember how a single word can have many different meanings depending on context in our OWN language. Hayward's off the cuff, selfish remark was fully deserving of all the ire it garnered. This isn't.
The meaning small people is often used in England as not an insult but discription. US doesn't have World History and Culture anymore so it makes sence for many Americans not to understand the meaning. We use words in the US meanly to insult others. Bush explained his friends are the haves and have mores we don't feel insulted because of the wealth of the Bush Family as to say only the wealthy are invited. But Americans see no problem in calling the United States President Obama some of the filthy/dirty/hateful names while we say Freedom of speech. It's gotten so bad filthy/dirty/hateful names are used against the Obama Family with on apology. Jake Knott called Obama and a candidate running for Governor a RagHead which is a complete insult and Knott's still proud of his statement with many Americans supporting it.
BP Executives didn't mean any harm but Americans don't know what the Cultures are of the World and reacted. Bush and his daughter Jenna used the Texas Long Horn sign overseas not knowing it was an insult jester, but we're Americans we don't apologize to anyone even when we insult others. Now that Texas is rereading the school text books to exclude facts and replace them with fiction and no education in World Culture only the few educationed Americans will understand. We formed this Nation because of the English two class system and you betcha we're bring it to America.
I'm more offended that this company was in bed with the Socialist Party and spending money to lobby for their agenda. The "small people" crack just proves their sharing the same scribes as Obama and his thugocracy. bahahahe Oh well elections have consequences .
Great to see you back Dave
Now as Obama is fighting for the citizens of the Gulf the Law Makers are supporting BP. Gov. Barbour wants Obama to leave the big shareholders profit alone, Majority Leader John Boehner wants the taxpayers to pay for the oil spill and Senator Vitter said Obama should mine his own business and let BP start drilling. Most Americans just want to be part of the crazy group and have no idea what Socialism or Capitalism is and right now most are looking to get their hands on some of the 20 billion dollars. We'll hear some business owners say they lost billions this summer when in fact they never did that much business at all. Law Makers will look to skim some of the Oil money for themselves while putting it in their wives name. Obama knows this is going to happen because when he announced the Stimulus money a Bush Family member jumped on board with his fake company. Dick Cheney made his calls to the GOP just to make sure they protected the Oil companies against Obama. Dave is right many Law Makers are and have been in bed with Corporations. We saw the consequences of elections when we now have Two Wars and a Recession, but many say Obama did it. Many not worry once Obama has cleaned up the mess Bush made I'm sure a Republican President will be back in office to continue the mission Bush talked about. Right now Obama is just working to repair our Econcomy, show transparentcy and get our respect back around the World. Rand Paul sounds Presidential and ready to lead but the Tea Party seems to want Senator DeMint to take over the White House. Who knows the Republicans might pick Governor Sanford as their candidate to sit in the Oval Office. Sarah Palin might still be a Vice President after all. With all the chiefs and no indians as everyone has the answers for President Obama it should be an interesting year.
Calling people the small people was an insult yet Americans and Law Makers see no problem with the hateful disrespectful names they call the President and his Family. Funny how people want respect from others yet feel no need to give it to others. Nothing Obama says would ever make a difference to some people who just don't want a minority as President. Now notice as Bush lied, stole and even treated citizens like small people no one dare say a word. Most people just loved it and wanted more. No wonder it took so long for people to leave King George in England to form a new Nation.
Republicans don't want the two Wars to end as it could present a big problem come election time. It would be better to say Obama allowed troops to stay in these wars. Most wont report the thousands of soldiers leaving Iraq now. As for our troops being caught up in this conflict it's time for Afghanistan/Iraq to deal with their own problems. People forget there has always been conflict and bombs long before the US come in. It didn't help with the US torturing men/woman/children and holding innocent people for 7 years in Gitmo because we didn't want to admit we made a mistake. As the years go on we will continue to learn of the horror done over the 8 year crime wave. When Spain holdes the trials of the Bush Lawyers who instructed illegal laws that caused the death of thousands from all over the World it will clear up somethings.
The medical drugs to stop pregnancy is moving along. It would really be a big help to teenage girls who think Bristol Palin is a role model and having a child means you can make money like she does just telling kids not to do what you do. As our Law Makers don't see the need for woman to make decisions for themselves and even in Uath where who a woman has a heart breaking miscarriage she will fine herself charged with murder. I worked in a hospital as a candy stripper and it was so sad when a Mother lost her child and now to see Laws in Uath that say not only is your heart broken but you can go to jail because of your lost. Sarah Palin showed even female Law Makers want to be part of the boys club so bad, Sarah made woman who were raped by their own rape kit. With so many Law Makers like Senator Ensign, Vitter and others having affairs/mistresses you'd think they would be all for this protection. But it's always men who are in office to make decisions for woman and the few woman in office don't join together to stop this.
Have a great evening all
Hey Lester
Into tonight's broadcast.
OK
"Small People."
Heard it live when said.
Did wince.
First thought.
PEON.
BIG, GIANT Oil is looking down, way down at the folks of Louisiana.
Same as - "I want my life back" -said by a BP exec.
BP has Money. Boatloads... And being FORCED to give it up is no pleasant thing.
Looking at Tony's (BP exec) expression, his face says it all.
A pill for women' sexual drive...?
It has been a discussion among us girls.
Fine broadcast and thank you Mr. Engel for more news re
Afghanistan. Mr. Engel, please be safe.
Thanks Lester. My pal calls you "Les" and Brian -"Bri" and Chuck Todd -
"Chucky T."
Goodnite "family." Love ya.
Lester,
"Small people" reminds of the condescending queen who said "Let the little people eat cake" Phyllis
I'm not sure we'll be allowed to eat cake soon. While listening to radio free of socialist lies and propaganda yesterday there is some new "executive order" that's going to set up more control over what we eat.
I owe the Prez an apology and I need to be public 'cuz my pal reads this blog daily and she
is responsible for showing me the way.
Due to my concern for wildlife and the citizens of Louisiana -
(Being hit hard, twice-)
And I felt BP lacked compassion and care-
I wanted the President to take control, take reign, grab the power from BP.
I wanted and asked for Obama to be mad, get angry.
But my pal Brea reminds me - this is not who Obama is.
She reminds me of many instances during the 2008 campaign when he kept his cool.
True!
Showing uncontrolled anger is not his DNA, Make-up, Cell.
"He is cool, calm, collected. No Drama Obama." - says my pal.
She is right. 100 %.
hi, rojo, have you ever seen pictures of horus (egypt, son of isis and osiris) and his grown children? his children are SMALL, as if they were another creation. maybe the swede was giving us something to think about. when carl sagan did 'cosmos', jon lomberg, the artist who collaborated with him, had some interesting visuals out there. in one, carl sagan is standing and lecturing as he is walking through some hanging mobiles of the planets and i looked at that and one part of my little brain said, 'ha, interesting, he is larger than the planets' . . . . . . like he is a skywalker creation, some ancient spirit beings of the heavens, another creation made to a different scale than our smaller world from among the worlds without number. just a thought. that was a pretty big faux-pas, i always wonder about such things. after all, the swedes choose to honor those who strive in their dedicated fields with the nobel prize. they are invariably people who are not wealthy. they appreciate the human psyche and it's struggles. they were not uppity in the new world, they intermarried with the native americans whereas the english did not. i have to mention that a partial loaf of bread got away from me in the refrigerator. i found it yesterday, i didn't know it was in there, very, very gray-green, lots of dusty mold. i wonder if it's penicillin or something else. i guess only the trash people will know . . . . . . i live in the trailer that used to belong to the fachetti's, it was their winter home, i bought it back when their daughter, a lt. col. in the air force, was the post commander of kuwait, go ladies:-) take good care, blessings, anna martina
Ana,
Learning a lot from you. Had to Google "Horus". Interesting read. All about Ancient Egypt mythology.
I am more familiar with Greek Mythology. Read and a fan.
Same as my passion for novels, thrillers and John Grisham is known for
good techniques in keeping the reader on the edge.
We agree on one thing - love for our military and gratitude for their service.
So - HIGH FIVE.
I will say this-
Let's assume Svanberg's poor choice of words is owed to a language barrier-
OK... However...
The corporation, BP, seems to me to be condescending, cold, uncaring and ruthless in their GREED.
Anxious to see if profit was indeed CHOSEN over safety.
I so enjoyed your blog regarding our troops, your zucchinis and your earlier poem about nature.
How's the gardening going?
Today is a good day for the Prez and for Louisiana.
i'm out there watering every day, rojo, even with my low energy and sometimes discumbuberated head. luckily, it's a small garden. the peaches, nectarines and pomegranates are coming along as well. i am SO glad that i only use $10 worth of gas every 5-6 weeks except when i have to drive to tucson to the airport! bp may be alot of nasty british romans, ugh. some of them still think roman empire, another ugh! the garden is a prayer garden, my small way of doing since i am disabled, so i know what it's like for our disabled soldiers and the ones with post traumatic stress disorder as well. it's very important to me to keep the garden healthy and thriving . . . . . . there are cherry tomatoes which are beginning to ripen, a couple of anaheim chilis, the zuchinni have started to put out their gorgeous blooms, the green beans are blooming and there are quite a few baby better boy tomatoes. looking forward to doing cabresi, italian dish with gourmet mozarella, thick slices of ripe tomatoes, chopped basil leaves (the basil plant has gone bonkers:-) and olive oil or balsamic vinegar, yum. if you saw my curly hair, my son's curly hair and my granddaughter's curly hair, you would know we are greek (the sicilian sodari). america is fun, we are from everywhere. and we take care of each other. my take on nasty people is to give them enough rope to hang themselves. i save the little energy i have for the victims.
i'm out there watering every day, rojo, even with my low energy and sometimes discumbuberated head. luckily, it's a small garden. the peaches, nectarines and pomegranates are coming along as well. i am SO glad that i only use $10 worth of gas every 5-6 weeks except when i have to drive to tucson to the airport! bp may be alot of nasty british romans, ugh. some of them still think roman empire, another ugh! the garden is a prayer garden, my small way of doing since i am disabled, so i know what it's like for our disabled soldiers and the ones with post traumatic stress disorder as well. it's very important to me to keep the garden healthy and thriving . . . . . . there are cherry tomatoes which are beginning to ripen, a couple of anaheim chilis, the zuchinni have started to put out their gorgeous blooms, the green beans are blooming and there are quite a few baby better boy tomatoes. looking forward to doing cabresi, italian dish with gourmet mozarella, thick slices of ripe tomatoes, chopped basil leaves (the basil plant has gone bonkers:-) and olive oil or balsamic vinegar, yum. if you saw my curly hair, my son's curly hair and my granddaughter's curly hair, you would know we are greek (the sicilian sodari). america is fun, we are from everywhere. and we take care of each other. my take on nasty people is to give them enough rope to hang themselves. i save the little energy i have for the victims.
Good Morning Mr.Holt, A fine broadcast last evening. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast!
Richard's report from Kandahar showed how the US Troops have a difficult time dealing with fierce battles in the rural regions and polling Afghans about the situation in the region with regards to the Afghan government on the city of Kandahar. It is interesting to hear the Afghans speak about it being better with the taliban in power. It was awful to see the destruction caused by and explosion assassinating a government official.
One always hopes for peace for the people in the region.
God Bless All Our US Troops!
Excellent Reporting as Always Richard!
Please Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well!
Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to All the "regulars"
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew! Appreciate All You Bravery and Dedication to bringing the stories from the Afghanistan.
XOXO
Lisa
"The check is in the mail" has become a joke, but I hope BP comes through for these people.
And I hope the pink pill works for women with sexual disfunction. Passion is the essence of life
Another riveting broadcast.
Have a great day Lester
Phyllis