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Monsanto, way back in 1935, started manufacturing polychronated biphenyls, or PCBs. which is used to insulate electrical equipment. As early as the late '60s and '70s, Monsanto knew that PCBs are carcinogens. Yet they continued manufacturing PCBs.
Near its plant in Anniston, Alabama, Monsanto employees picknicked on holidays. Children of employees took off their shoes and waded up to their knees through the stream that ran past the factory in order to get to school on school days. Many kids got cancer. Many kids died young.
It wasn't until the '90s that Johnnie Cochran and other lawyers got interested and began representing the thousands of residents.
As soon as litigation began occurring, Monsanto spun off its operations to a company named Salutia. The only purpose for this was to have Salutia shoulder all liabilities caused by PCB poisoning. This put Monsanto in the clear. Though there is a pile of literature demonstrating how dangerous PCBs are, a Monsanto spokesman said:
"While we don't dispute that individuals have a variety of illnesses, there has never been a definitive study that would demonstrate a link between the PCBs and any of the health claims they're making."
A wonderful example of compassionate businesspeople that President Bush champions.
And now to the 27 lawyers on the federal case. After much negotiation, super-star Johnnie Cochran's law firm made $29 million, another Montgomery-based law firm got $34 million, and the remaining lawyers lesser amounts. The average payment for each of the Anniston plaintiffs is $7,725 - not enough to pay for the funeral of her child, as a disappointed resident said.
Carlton Carl, spokesman for the Assn. of Trial Lawyers of America sings the praise of the contingency fee:
"The contingency fee is the great leveler. The least economically powerful person can take on the most richest, most powerful corporation in the world on an even footing."
Even footing: $34 million and $7,725!
Johnnie Cochran makes a bundle. Monsanto is as innocent as a baby. Those who lost family loved ones receive a tip. Justice for rich and poor alike!?!
This is Monsanto justice. If you are rich, whatever you do is OK. If you are not rich, occasionally you make out, mostly you don't.
Here is a question to ponder: Why must citizens PAY to achieve justice?
