On March 19, Global Exchange joined its Bay Area partners in taking to the streets to shut down the offices of those profiteering from the ongoing occupation of Iraq.
The Freedom from Oil campaign rallied outside Chevron offices to tell Chevron CEO, Dave O'Reilly, "No War, No Warming, Resistance is Forming!"
As the rally began, 13 activists blockaded the main entrance and the parking garage entrance to the building. Activists used lockboxes and barrels to blockade business-as-usual for the oil giant. Other activists went inside to share some thoughts with Chevron employees and discovered that Chevron had surrendered rather than face resistance. The following sign was hanging on Chevron's front door:
We appreciate Chevron CEO Dave O'Reilly for doing the right thing and closing down the San Francisco office. So Dave, can we take this as an admission that you too believe the war has gone on too long?
Alright Dave, shutting down was great, but why not take the next steps?
We have a few ideas for you:
- Abandon plans to expand and process dirty oil at the Chevron Richmond, CA refinery. The people of Richmond are already sick from living next door to you and would prefer not to get any sicker.
- Withdraw from Alberta and give up on tar sands oil. The world is overheated and short of water. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that using loads of water to process tar sands oil and heat up the planet some more is not such a great idea.
- Commit to growing Chevron's investment in clean energy substantially. Right now you invest 1/8 of 1% of your profits in clean energy. Frankly, that's not even enough to deserve the name "green washing."
C'mon, Dave. Shutting down the San Francisco office yesterday was a step in the right direction. Take the next steps in your recovery from oil addiction!
| Take Action Now! Call Chevron CEO Dave O'Reilly at 925-222-3434 |
For more information on Chevron, tar sands, or Global Exchange's Freedom from Oil Campaign contact nick@globalexchange.org or 415-255-7296.