EXCERPTS:
" ``Right now we are working two 10-hour shifts, 15 men per shift, six days a week,'' O'Brien said. ``And we're producing about a mile of boom a day.''
Before the spill, the company manufactured about 1,500 feet per day, he said.
QUESTIONS:
1. This company has taken dramatic steps to increase its production of boom [a product used to protect the environment from the oil spill]. What do you think is the primary motivation behind this company's response to the oil spill: a desire to protect the environment, to help society, or to make more profit for itself?
2. Companies that specialize in products and services which are used to clean up oil spills will actually profit from the oil spill in the Gulf. In fact, they may receive tremendous profits as a result of the spill. While the environment is being hurt, and many people are suffering, these companies will be benefiting. Do you think it would be a good idea to impose an extra tax on the "excess" profits that these companies receive?
3. In answering question 2, what should your first step have been?
