[Huck]

Where does the government get its money?

Taxpayers.

Where does the oil industry get its money?

Customers.

If you can't tell the difference, you're beyond help.

[upchuck]

Customers are taxpayers.

Taxpayers are customers.

Where does the government get its money? You and me.

Where does the oil industry get its money? You and me.

Without you and me neither could exist.

If the government agreed to pay for the entire cleanup and cover any lawsuits filed, who, ultimately, would pay the costs? You and me.

If the government forced, via legislation, the oil industry to pay for the entire cleanup and cover any lawsuits filed, who, ultimately, would pay the costs? You and me.

In the second example, if you could avoid paying any money to the oil industry, yes, you would avoid paying for the cleanup and lawsuits. But that's not gonna happen since virtually anything you buy is tied, one way or another, to the oil industry. Think transportation, shipping, plastics, chemicals, etc.