Saudi Lawyers threaten lawsuits over "Ethical Oil" ads

[Wild Bill]

Just heard this on Sun TV. Apparently, Saudi Arabia has had its lawyers threaten broadcasters to cease airing ads that mention "Ethical Oil" as coming from a country that believes in human rights as opposed to Arabian countries that kill gays, refuse to let woman testify in court or even drive a car and commit other, worse human rights violations to the point where their product is branded "blood" oil.

Apparently, CTV simply caved on the spot and stopped the ads. Sun TV is making it a freedom of speech issue and branding the Saudis as being simple bullies, trying to get away with in Canada what they do in their home country.

I expect we are going to be hearing much more about this. Has anyone else picked up on it yet?

Me, my first thought was to tell the Saudis to get stuffed! It's obvious that while Saudis couldn't give a tinker's dam about human rights they love money! And the Canadian oil sands is a big threat to their money!

Why, they might have to actually cut back on the allowance to their billionaire jetset, playboy princes! Life is hard!

I thought business means the chance of competition. Where is it written that Saudi Arabia has a right to American oil business? OPEC never did us any favours!

I'll weep for them every time I put gas in my vehicle! :angry:

[Guest American Woman]

Where are you hearing that the ads were pulled? - on the Sun tv News? And how can Saudi Arabia tell Canada what it can or can't air in its own country?

I this is a pretty good article on the issue: Ethical Oil group squares off against Saudi Arabia over TV ad

Here's another view regarding the ethical oil ads: Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey on 'Ethical Oil' Ads

It's interesting to note that she says in her letter that the US and Canada combined hold less than 5% of the world's proven oil reserves, and therefore the output from the tar sands will do virtually nothing to lessen the demand for Saudi crude.

Edited September 19, 2011 by American Woman

[GostHacked]

Where are you hearing that the ads were pulled? - on the Sun tv News? And how can Saudi Arabia tell Canada what it can or can't air in its own country?

I this is a pretty good article on the issue: Ethical Oil group squares off against Saudi Arabia over TV ad

Here's another view regarding the ethical oil ads: Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey on 'Ethical Oil' Ads

It's interesting to note that she says in her letter that the US and Canada combined hold less than 5% of the world's proven oil reserves, and therefore the output from the tar sands will do virtually nothing to lessen the demand for Saudi crude.

All the USA needs to tap is the Bakken Oil Field some more. Apparently there is oil under the USA that would break their dependancy on foreign oil tomorrow!!

[eyeball]

I'd rather see the Saudis threaten to jack the price of oil up. That would give our producers the opportunity to do the ethical thing and keep their product at a competitive price.

That said I think we should have been applying a tariff on products from dictatorships (and their networks of support) years ago, but that's just me I suppose.

[Guest Derek L]

All the USA needs to tap is the Bakken Oil Field some more. Apparently there is oil under the USA that would break their dependancy on foreign oil tomorrow!!

It sure would help....but would'nt alone end the need for foreign oil.....

[Guest Derek L]

I'd rather see the Saudis threaten to jack the price of oil up. That would give our producers the opportunity to do the ethical thing and keep their product at a competitive price.

That said I think we should have been applying a tariff on products from dictatorships (and their networks of support) years ago, but that's just me I suppose.

That's a good idea.....I'd like to see it apply to China also.

[jbg]

Apparently, CTV simply caved on the spot and stopped the ads. Sun TV is making it a freedom of speech issue and branding the Saudis as being simple bullies, trying to get away with in Canada what they do in their home country.

**********************

Me, my first thought was to tell the Saudis to get stuffed! It's obvious that while Saudis couldn't give a tinker's dam about human rights they love money! And the Canadian oil sands is a big threat to their money!

Someone a long time ago should have told these people that if we don't force them into the 21st Century they can't force them into the Stone Age. Remember we developed the oil. That doesn't make them equal partners.

[jacee]

From AW's link above:

EthicalOil argues it's better to buy oil from iberal democracies like Canada, where the industry is subject to environmental regulation and the rule of law, than from "some of the world's most politically oppressive and environmentally reckless regimes."

Well I can see why they're ticked off.

I don't really see the 'freedom of the press" issue Sun TV's blathering on about. This is advertising, and pretty sleazy attack advertising at that, but not news or commentary. Is he implying that SunTV is part of the 'grass roots' (ya right) EthicalOil group itself?

I personally think it's over the top, bad for Canada's international reputation, and the oil industry and just bad form. I guess the courts may now get a chance to rule on its legality (truth in advertising? Defamation/Slander/Libel?).

Edited September 20, 2011 by jacee

[Guest Derek L]

Someone a long time ago should have told these people that if we don't force them into the 21st Century they can't force them into the Stone Age. Remember we developed the oil. That doesn't make them equal partners.

Oh I agree.....We developed it…..we refine it……we maintain the oilfields and we protect them and the monarchies from their neighbours and their own people.

[Bob]

Just another example of Islamist vermin abusing the legal systems that we've established in order to affect our political discourse. They may hate us, but I hate them a thousand times back. But of course, it's the "Israel Lobby" we should all fear.

[Bob]

From AW's link above:

Well I can see why they're ticked off.

I don't really see the 'freedom of the press" issue Sun TV's blathering on about. This is advertising, and pretty sleazy attack advertising at that, but not news or commentary. Is he implying that SunTV is part of the 'grass roots' (ya right) EthicalOil group itself?

I personally think it's over the top, bad for Canada's international reputation, and the oil industry and just bad form. I guess the courts may now get a chance to rule on its legality (truth in advertising? Defamation/Slander/Libel?).

What a surprise, the communist who wants to live off of the backs and sweat of others sees no problems whatsoever to threats against freedom of speech.

[Guest Derek L]

From AW's link above:

Well I can see why they're ticked off.

I don't really see the 'freedom of the press" issue Sun TV's blathering on about. This is advertising, and pretty sleazy attack advertising at that, but not news or commentary. Is he implying that SunTV is part of the 'grass roots' (ya right) EthicalOil group itself?

I personally think it's over the top, bad for Canada's international reputation, and the oil industry and just bad form. I guess the courts may now get a chance to rule on its legality (truth in advertising? Defamation/Slander/Libel?).

I think the truly key difference between Albertan oil and Saudi oil, when you get down to it, is that you can freely protest out front of a oil refinery/field in Alberta and at worst, you’ll be put in jail overnight….In Saudi Arabia not so much…..

And the second key difference, we never have and never will go to war to protect Albertan oil fields……Also, I’ve yet to see a handful of Albertan roughnecks hijack and fly a commercial airliner into a building……maybe get pissed up and smash up a bar or put their 4x4 in the ditch…..

The Arabs can pound sand as far as I’m concerned.

[dre]

Where are you hearing that the ads were pulled? - on the Sun tv News? And how can Saudi Arabia tell Canada what it can or can't air in its own country?

I this is a pretty good article on the issue: Ethical Oil group squares off against Saudi Arabia over TV ad

Here's another view regarding the ethical oil ads: Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey on 'Ethical Oil' Ads

It's interesting to note that she says in her letter that the US and Canada combined hold less than 5% of the world's proven oil reserves, and therefore the output from the tar sands will do virtually nothing to lessen the demand for Saudi crude.

I dont know about the percentages but according to this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_proven_oil_reserves

Canada has the second largest reserves (it lists the Arab League as a country) which would make us third.

[dre]

Anyhow, the Ethic OIl folks are fighting a losing battle. There IS no ethical consumerism in the west period. We have absolutely no problem buying stuff from virtually any repressive regime as long as its cheap.

In fact... If you could grid up children and make cheap oil with them, westerners would race for the pumps.

[Bob]

Anyhow, the Ethic OIl folks are fighting a losing battle. There IS no ethical consumerism in the west period. We have absolutely no problem buying stuff from virtually any repressive regime as long as its cheap.

In fact... If you could grid up children and make cheap oil with them, westerners would race for the pumps.

If I have a choice, I will consume a similar product from Canada before any Muslim-majority country. I am not alone. This reality directly contradicts your false assertion of non-monetary issues playing a role in informing our buying behaviour.

[dre]

If I have a choice, I will consume a similar product from Canada before any Muslim-majority country. I am not alone. This reality directly contradicts your false assertion of non-monetary issues playing a role in informing our buying behaviour.

My assertion was a generalization, of course its not true in all cases. Theres a small minority of people who take this kind of thing into consideration, but its pretty much insignificant.

In general ethics is not considered just value/quality/price.

[TimG]

In general ethics is not considered just value/quality/price.

I think you are ignoring the psychological distance that our far flung trade networks provide. If a product had a 'made with child labour' label on it I suspect it would not sell. IOW - it is not that people don't care - its they don't feel the connection between what they buy and the pratices involved in producing it.

[Bob]

I think you are ignoring the psychological distance that our far flung trade networks provide. If a product had a 'made with child labour' label on it I suspect it would not sell. IOW - it is not that people don't care - its they don't feel the connection between what they buy and the pratices involved in producing it.

It's simple, really. When awareness is increased, behavior can change. If Canadian consumers are faced with a choice at the gas pump with one option labeled "Saudi Oil" and the other labeled "Canadian oil", we'll certainly see a difference in consumption.

[jacee]

It's simple, really. When awareness is increased, behavior can change. If Canadian consumers are faced with a choice at the gas pump with one option labeled "Saudi Oil" and the other labeled "Canadian oil", we'll certainly see a difference in consumption.

Only until the Canadian runs out.

Then I'd bet there wouldn't be any difference.

You can always count on Canadians to buy gas and complain about it, no matter what.

Edited September 20, 2011 by jacee

[dre]

I think you are ignoring the psychological distance that our far flung trade networks provide. If a product had a 'made with child labour' label on it I suspect it would not sell. IOW - it is not that people don't care - its they don't feel the connection between what they buy and the pratices involved in producing it.

Information is a problem for sure, but consumers routinely buy products made in countries where laborers are treated like cattle and have no meaningful participation into the political process where they live.

I dont buy the plea of ignorance. There needs to be better information for sure, but theres already enough to allow ethical consumerism but it just hasnt happened on any real scale.

[dre]

Only until the Canadian runs out.

Then I'd bet there wouldn't be any difference.

You can always count on Canadians to buy gas and complain about it, no matter what.

The only way a substancial ammount of Canadians would choose Canadian oil over Saudi oil is if there a material benefit in doing so. If it costs more than Saudi oil then forget it.

[Bonam]

Information is a problem for sure, but consumers routinely buy products made in countries where laborers are treated like cattle and have no meaningful participation into the political process where they live.

I dont buy the plea of ignorance. There needs to be better information for sure, but theres already enough to allow ethical consumerism but it just hasnt happened on any real scale.

See Bush_cheney's signature.

Anyway, one can very plausibly make the argument that buying stuff from developing countries pumps money into those economies which lifts them out of poverty over time. It's entirely true too, hundreds of millions of people in developing nations are entering the global middle class, to a large extent because Western consumers buy stuff from those countries.

[dre]

See Bush_cheney's signature.

Anyway, one can very plausibly make the argument that buying stuff from developing countries pumps money into those economies which lifts them out of poverty over time. It's entirely true too, hundreds of millions of people in developing nations are entering the global middle class, to a large extent because Western consumers buy stuff from those countries.

You can say that in SOME cases. But its also true that when you buy something from a company you endorse, fund, and encourage their behavior. So far Im not seeing this turn into much in the way of political reforms. We have been buying Saudi oil for 50 years.

Ethical consumerism isnt about dismissing the fact workers live in squallor on the grounds that they can afford 3 bowls of rice instead of 2.

There would be more progress in these places if we made some real demands in order for them to benefit from our patronage.

[GostHacked]

It sure would help....but would'nt alone end the need for foreign oil.....

It would be a start. But that has not happened yet .. why?

Just another example of Islamist vermin abusing the legal systems that we've established in order to affect our political discourse. They may hate us, but I hate them a thousand times back. But of course, it's the "Israel Lobby" we should all fear.

Yes, this is exactly what the world needs, more hate.

[waldo]

All the USA needs to tap is the Bakken Oil Field some more. Apparently there is oil under the USA that would break their dependancy on foreign oil tomorrow!!

It sure would help....but would'nt alone end the need for foreign oil.....

It would be a start. But that has not happened yet .. why?

estimates of recoverable pooled oil equate to ~8 months of the existing U.S. usage levels. Procedures and cost to 'extract' the remaining "large" Bakken reserves are said to dwarf requirements/expense to extract from the tarsands. In that you've oft expressed your concerns over pollution/health impacts, one would think there would be no fracking way you would ponder further...