Many claims have been filed by people seeking to be paid back funds they either lost due to no work or due to their livelihood being stripped away from them due to the BP oil disaster in 2010. Mr. Feinberg was appointed by the United States Government to administer the $20 billion fund and dole out the funds as he deemed appropriate. After many months of non-payment for so many people, I myself, wanted to know what was taking so long. I do not have a claim personally, but wanted to help others in their plight. I attended several meetings that Mr. Feinberg held in my area to answer people’s questions. Several people had attended other meetings and were still left hanging, not knowing when their claim would be processed. Many promises were made, but not followed through. While waiting, many people lost their homes and cars; couldn’t find other jobs; and went on food stamps or unemployment. Mr. Feinberg, with a monthly salary of $850,000.00, did not have to worry where his next spoonful of food was coming from…BP made sure he was well paid to take care of their interests. Although he denies being employed by BP or having any connections to them, the paycheck comes from BP and a judge ruled that he did work for BP!
In light of all the empty promises Mr. Feinberg has made, I titled this portrait “The Tin Man” because I feel that he is desperately in need of a courageous heart in order to make good on his word and finally help the people of the Gulf.
