Chevron's 'pizza and soda' apology turns tragedy into farce

[joeybee12]

On Feb. 11, an explosion at a Chevron natural gas well in Bobtown, Pa. exploded, killing one worker. The fire burned for four days and gas and heat are still emanating from the site. The cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time and residents of Bobtown remain understandably concerned about the safety of other wells in the area.

The situation at the well "remains serious," Chevron said in a statement Tuesday.

But the oil giant is threatening to turn this very serious and tragic event into a farce with one of the worst PR moves in recent memory: In an effort to compensate the community, Chevron is giving residents of Bobtown a certificate good for one free pizza and a 2-liter bottle of soda.

To be clear, this is not a joke or a story from The Onion. The Philadelphia Daily News, CNN and various other news outlets confirm the 'pizza and a soda' apology and copies of the certificate and accompanying letter have been posted on the Web.

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/chevron-s--pizza-and-soda--apology-turns-tragedy-into-farce-150212809.html

[KansDem]

1. Anyone know anything about "Bobtown Pizza?"

I've tried searching the 'tubes and found:

http://www.pizzashops.info/Pennsylvania/Bobtown/

No "Bobtown Pizza"

and...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bobtown-pizza-and-sub-bobtown

"Permanently closed"

[Jim__]

4. CBS Pittsburgh claims to have spoken to one of the owners.

CBS Pittsburgh story:

...

The pizza coupon is good for a large special combo pizza, and 2-liter drink from Bobtown Pizza. It’s the only eatery for 80 miles.

People who got the letters are calling to find out if the free pizza is legit.

“They bought 100 gift certificates,” confirmed Brian Scritchfield.

Brian Scritchfield, his father and their partner Bill Sowden opened the place just more than a month ago. The accident at the gas well was most of their business.

...

I can't vouch for the story.

[rustydog]

5. No it is not a farce, it is corporate reality

This is what Chevron actually believes the victims of this deserve. The little people. We are the little people to Corporate America. We really don't count. Chevron paid out what they thought this problem was worth.

[joeybee12]

7. And I bet they're patting themselves on the back for being so generous...nt

[wocaonimabi]

6. The precedent has been established that oil companies are only fined pennies

on the dollar for their negligent action. People should be happy they did not get a coupon for a Slurpee and Slim Jim at 7-11

BP got away with it so will Chevron

Our elected officials will protect the oil companies, they always do.

[Brigid]

8. OK, show of hands here:

How many looked for an "Onion" link the first time they saw a thread about this "pizza apology" story? I know I did.