Energy industry gives big gift for inauguration

[elehhhhna]

Dec. 18, 2004, 11:32AM

Energy industry gives big gift for inauguration
By PETE YOST
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The energy industry and some of its executives have contributed more than a million dollars to President Bush's inauguration fund, the committee handling the festivities reported Friday.
In all, 26 donors gave more than $4.5 million.

Occidental Petroleum Corp. donated $250,000, as did Irving-based Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly traded oil company.

Exxon Mobil reported record third-quarter profits, thanks to higher prices for oil and natural gas.

In April, Bush took steps to restore normal trade and investment ties with Libya, enabling four American oil companies, including Occidental, to resume commercial activities there after an 18-year absence.

Bush's action was a reward to Moammar Gadhafi for eliminating his most destructive weapons programs.

Other donors from the energy sector included Texas oilman Boone Pickens, who gave $250,000; and former Enron President Richard Kinder, who left the company five years before it collapsed and now is CEO of Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy transportation and storage companies in the country. Kinder also gave $250,000.

Outside the energy sector, New Orleans Saints football team owner Tom Benson gave $50,000 and his companies gave $200,000.

Northrop Grumman Corp., the world's largest shipbuilder and second-largest U.S. defense contractor, gave $100,000.

Michael Dell, chairman of Austin-based Dell, the world's largest personal computer maker, gave $250,000.

[OnlyInAmerica]

1. I'm shocked

Shocked, I tell you! You mean all this time oil companies have supported Bush/Cheney? Who knew???

[rucky]

2. As long as taxpayer money isn't going to the coronation...

let 'em have a Romanesque orgy for all I care.

[durablend]

5. Oh but it IS...

You see those falling gas prices for the past week or so? Don't get used to them...somebody's going to have to pick up the tab for the king's coronation and I think the bill comes due in early January.

[devinsgram]

10. What do you mean, why do you think

gas has been so high. For King George's election and coronation.

[yorkiemommie1]

3. how blatant

....a big reward for their king

[grilled onions]

4. meanwhile the little people

have to decide whether or not they can afford to get to a job via their petro guzzlin little machine or try to thumb a ride.(That is if they have one). Just another version of "let them eat cake". While they celebrate the victory spoils of a great year of high gas prices many have to consider if they should give up the luxury of even owning a vehicle. :mad:

[durablend]

6. "Little people? Bleh...who cares about them..."

"They're just lazy or stupid...they can become indentured servants if they want to live"

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[HeeBGBz]

7. Evil mutha fkas

I want them all in jail where they deserve to be.

[Massachusetts]

8. Surprise ......Surprise

Gomer said to Goober..............

[0007]

9. Wonder what Ken Lay will donate for staying out of prison?

[moondust]

11. "Dude, you're shittin a Dell."