Having worked for a few years in San Francisco law firms, I've tended to agree with that old sweeping statement about getting rid of lawyers.
One day in the firm, I overheard one of the defense attorneys talking to his client on the phone. They were discussing his testimony in court earlier that day. Apparently, the client remembered something he had forgotten while on the stand that might have damaged his case, and what I heard the attorney advise him was, "We're not interested in the truth here."
On the other hand, without lawyers, the "little guy" would get screwed over even worse than he already does.
In the news recently was an article reporting that, trying to make up for the falling state economy, Minnesota wants to start charging fees for public defenders. Clark County, Nevada, was considering the same thing in April. Will that mean the poor folk start trying to represent themselves more? It would be interesting to see what station that train finally pulls into. (Yes, I know my preposition is lonely, and some times my participles dangle, as well.)
The "little guy" in "Third World" countries oftentimes turns out to be the native population.
ENN is reporting that native Ecuador populations are trying to sue Chevron/Texaco for damages due to oil operations, and as you might expect, having some trouble doing it.
For settler Jose Aguilar, the legal arguments mean little, compared with damage to crops and farm animals and the health of the region's inhabitants.
"It is irreparable damage," he said outside the courthouse, as protesters read testimonials from cancer victims. "Everything has been damaged. People have died. Everything has been lost."
Swamps and streams are frequently covered with a thin layer of oil. The region's inhabitants complain of stomach cramps, sore throats, and difficult-to-treat skin rashes, which they blame on the pollution.
Ricardo Beija, a vice president and legal adviser for the oil company, told reporters the damage caused by drilling was "minimal" and "normal for any operation." He added, "We have confidence in the Ecuadorean courts."
In the company's opening arguments, Callejas also warned the case would scare away other multinational corporations considering investing in Ecuador.
Read Al Giordano's Narco News for lots of information on indigenous uprisings in recent years as these people have their backs pressed to the wall.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
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