READ about Piers Morgan's long career in journalism here. WHEN does "Piers Morgan Tonight" air internationally? LISTEN and subscribe to our free podcast.
The BP oil spill occurred last April, and tonight Piers Morgan follows the money to see the impact one year later – as news that BP's fund to pay out families has been largely untouched so far. On the show will be widows of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, as well as a fisherman who has been financially affected by the disaster. Ken Feinberg, BP's "pay czar," joins Piers as well to give an update on the money distribution.
St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro discusses the impact in New Orleans, and CNN correspondent Philippe Cousteau talks about the environmental implications. Underwater filmmaker Michael DeGruy is a guest as well. Check out the full hour on New Orleans and the BP oil spill, tonight at 9pmET/PT.
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It bothers me that you ask your guest a question, but then interrupt his answer. Why not give him/her a chance to comminicate.
I agree with Arleta: Piers is not a good questioner and is often rude by not letting guests COMPLETELY share their thoughts. Piers is also too UK-centric. His interview manner does not resonate with most Americans, I believe. He is much more comfortable – body language and tenor – with Brits.
And while we are at it, please ask Ali Velshi to tone it down. It is as he is trying to compete with the ladies. What happened to John Roberts? He was the best I've seen in a long time. Bring him back.
Why not ask Mr. Feinberg if some of the 16/17 billion remaining in the BP "make whole" fund can't be ued to make the US Government (and states) whole for all of the clean up and unemployment insurance costs which have been incurred?
As a person who has had BPs new puppet mouth piece illegally deny my claim. I cant believe we are allowing a British interest to attack our way of life for a second time in US history. I for one will be pushing our government to sever all relations with England and treat the BP oil spill as a terrorist attack on my country. PS I hope with all my might it rains cats and dogs on your pom pas royal pain wedding! ALL FORGET THE QUEEN! More tweets to come.
I have met Ken Lyinberg on several occasions and been fed more BS than would fertilize the entire midwest !!
It is going on one year since I filed and still no resolution to my claim filed an April 30,2010.
WHAT A JOKE !!!
While BP drags on, businesses are closing their doors every day.
I have had an outstanding claim with BP- a simple reimbursement for rental income in Gulf Shores- since June, 2010. They keep giving us the run-around.
He wants to know what to do- establish claims reps that can give people a STRAIGT answer. Establish on-line administration with truthful follow up. They do not call you back, they do not track claims, they continue to ask for the same info.
to mr. feinberg: Isn't it true that if a claimant went to court before a judge and jury, without doculmentation, they could be awarded their full damages. Why do you hold them to a higher standard?
wow piers what a great job you are doing with this feinberg, keep up the good work, he is a liar, he lie 24/7.
i wish i would be able to call you guys and make questions for feinberg.
What a fabulous idea.
Put Ken on the spot on national TV !!
I understand both sides of this argument. And I think Mr. Feinberg can't win. The fact is, all people file income tax returns, including fishermen. Losses paid should be based on what can be proven, otherwise you'd have widespread fraud. Everyone with a claim against BP should have to provide an income tax refund showing how much they've made over the last three years, and average it. If a fisherman made $100K and only claimed $20K, he's screwed himself on his claim, but then he's been screwing the government, so it evens out. We're all mad at BP. Let's not get crazy greedy over it.
I have a startup business and while your idea sounds good....what do I do ?
Mike. You are a difficult position with a startup business. You should be able to at least recover your initial investment. Is there any data available that would show what the average annual income is for the business you are in?
totally agree. as I watch this interview, I think that Feinberg has a point. If he paid out every claim w/out checks and balances there would be little $$ left for those who truly deserve it. He sits in a no-win position, for sure, but with afinite amount of $ allocated wouldn't you want to make sure it goes to the right people?
If someone cannot produce a tax return they should not be compensated. I question why Piers would not understand this
Feinberg's concern is touching. I wish Piers would simply clear the air and ask the guy if his paycheck will ultimately get bigger if less money is paid out. Seems like it would.
Looks like BP has a lot of paid shill writing in for their scam. Something Fishy is going on with this 20 Billion Fund that Feinberg is giving back to BP anything he does not pay out. Feinberg should be investigated.
I think the BP has that crook in the bag to denay claims and pay money back. I have gotten the runaround from his offices for 9 months. I finally had to hire a Lawyer. Feinberg is in the bag for BP.
I think the most reasonable immediate action for the widows – I think they should get what ever men make doing the jobs thier husbands did every year for the next 20 years just as if those men worked at BP for 20 years. Additionally retirment should be put into accounts for them each of those 20 years so that at the point in time the men would have retired, the women can collect retirement.
Nancy.....i will vote for you for new "administrator" !
I have lost respect for Piers on his foolish heart before proper justification comment to Feinberg. Has this now become an open welfare system for runaway fraud? Feinburg has a very difficult job and it sounds like he is doing it with an excellent job with his process. If only the government could be as careful.
This is how corporations are slowly suffocating the American dream - they hire slick frontmen and mega pr firms to get people like Phil to think they're helping them while f***ing them.
The interview with Mr Feinberg was interesting for it revealed both of your natures. Mr Feinberg is a moral principled man and you as an interviewer are revealing that you are not. This is disappointing as a viewer of shows that should promote the exchange of ideas and not rhetoric.
In reply to your post, I have an idea.
Move to the Gulf region, bring your family, establish a business, deal with a disaster like the Oil Spill, file a claim, get the run around, lose everything, and see if you change your opinion.
One part of the issue that was not discusse was why some of these 'wronged' claimants do not have the required paperwork. Many of them have likely been working off the books for years if not their whole lives and have no way to prove the income they want to claim. So, they have not participated with the greater population in supporting the government that they now so brazenly want to rescue them. I have compassion for their situation, but they should not expect the taxpayer to bail them out when they themselves chose not to participate.
Piers, you are an embarassment to CNN! YOU are disrespectful of your guests and a POOR excuse for a journalist! If you don't want the answer to a question, don't ask it! Or you could respectfully allow your guest to answer! ! I can not believe how you treated Mr. Feinberg! I have always felt CNN was spot on, but you are the exception!
I don't think Feinberg answered anything really. I want to know more about what BP is going to do before we lose more businesses and resources. I can only believe that you are not involved with a BP claim.
My family is from all over the panhandle and my brother is a Captain out of Destin. From the facts I know, BP is not being unreasonable by asking people to prove their earnings, submitt their claims and if proven expect payment. The problem is if you have a Captains license and have not fished in years and you expect a check... SHAME ON YOU!!!!! The questions that are required by BP are not that out of the ordinary.. I know people who have been paid that are totally undeserving and nonimpacted by the spill...SHAME ON YOU!!!!! and others that are waiting that are doing the same thing. BP must protect themselves from the paranos of the Gulf and try to make good to the honest people.
Ken Feinberg makes 1.2 million a month? Really? Tell me I misunderstood that!
SURPRISE !!! Welcome to the Gulf area disaster !
What a 'round around\ Every day Feinburg holds onto the many billions, PB wins earning interest. At the rate the funds are being disbursed it will be a long time before that twenty billions is allotted!!!!! Maybe that's the game?
Obama not BP appointed Feinberg not BP. Find it interesting no one questions his administration on this issue?
Congratulations Piers! That was the best interview with Feinberg that I have seen in the past year. Thank you for not letting him pat himself on the back while Gulf Coast residents are still suffering to this day. Personally, I have not been compensated one red cent and have lost a decade old business and a home of 16 years. Delay, delay, delay. Those are Feinberg's tactics and then he hopes one would settle for pennies on the dollars. He is a hack of the first degree and in BP's pocket. He has 5 years of tax returns and 2 years of bank statements and still not a word from his outfit.
Thanks again, Piers. You held your own against BP's crony.
YAY Piers! YAY C.Carol !
I am in the same boat with you and feel your pain!
Watching Feinberg speak to how people must show proof before he can pay them anything was so distastereful I almost couldn't watch it. It should not be to hard to determine if people live in the area of the spill and if they have been earning their living from fishing. I am pretty sure Feinberg will receive a fat bonus above his million plus per month salary if he manages NOT to pay out to much of the 20 billion set aside for payouts.
BP should be ashamed of themselves for their treatment of the widows of the employees who lost their lives. Any wonder big oil has a filthy reputation. Every Catastrophe seems to make the fat cats fater.
Piers. BP is the result of Reaganomics; big business and no Government regulations. And people want to take our Country back to the Reaganomics days.
If Mr. Feinberg is doing such a good job, why did I have to sell my children inheritance just to pay bills. My husband has yet to get his first intrium payment, We just keep getting the run around. We are not going to sign a final payment. They are going to pay us what is owed to us. There are those that have been paid that should not have been. Ask Mr. Feinberg if he is being paid, I quaranty he is getting big monies. While other are being forclosed on with there homes and business.
Ophelia....bad news.....Ken gets $1.25 million per month.
Maybe we can move in with hm ?
I just listened to your interview with Mr. Feinberg. His explanation defies reality. At that rate, simple mathematical modeling can show an average profit for these business claimants. Use of a service for typical balance sheet/profit analysis is done everyday. Not only would this be a sensitivity test as to the claimants already paid, it would provide a fast and "just" method of payment. Certainly more appropriate than the green visor method advocated by your less than credible guest. Thanks for a great interview. We enjoy you daily.
We should have given Ken Feinberg more leeway in showing us where in 9 months there have been any creative solutions in the refunding process. Remember, where there is good will, there is creativity and original solutions. Mr. Ken Feinberg has a steel face which he used masterfully all along the interview because that was all he was required to do. I think if Ken Feinberg had been prodded to show us some examples of creativity in his work, he would have stumbled.
Piers, I have always thought you were a good interviewer but tonight I am convinced that you are the best. I was impressed with your interview of Ken Feinberg. When he suggested that you become a consultant, you gave the right response "with due respect Mr Feinberg, you are being paid millions to do that". I love you Piers!
What about accepting proof of family expenditures as evidence of earnings for the Gulf Coast Fishermen? . If a family was being supported by the fishihg industry prior to the spill then the costs to support that family should be taken into account don't you think? That's using your heart and not your head. A little "creative eligibility" might be helpful to assist Mr Feinberg and company to disburse funds to those in need. If you agree please pass my suggestion along. .
Re:Paulo
Creativity? When Feinberg decided to pay real estate agents who sold beachfront property, he said that real estate agents had a large lobbying presence in Washington. They were compensated. Closing agents, mortgage companies, appraisers and other real estate companion businesses were not in the mix. Last summer, he offhandedly turned these businesses down for any compensation. Showing a business income loss didn't matter. These businesses depend upon retirees and transplants to earn their living.....mainly condos on the beach. Recently, he said he would consider paying these businesses. Many of them are gone now. Apparently, his creativity is influenced by Washington and its lobbyists. There have been suicides because of the oil spill. Never heard about it on the news, have you?
The Gulf Coast is Dante's hell. Mental health clinics have had a surge in people seeking help because of Feinberg's lack of interest in restoring the financial health of the Gulf Coast. BP was going to make it right. That was their mantra. Yeah, right.
Ken Feinberg makes 1.2 million a month to handle and distribute money?
Pay scale for what doctors make saving lives, after 15 to 17 years after high school, at an enormous cost, then paying large sums to Insurance companies not forgetting rent,staff and equipments
Pay scale:
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/People_with_Jobs_as_Physicians_%2F_Doctors/Salary
Teachers who are educating our children
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/All_K-12_Teachers/Salary
Pay scale Salary for President Jobs
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=President/Salary
Is Kenneth Feinberg working for BP or for the victims of the Oil spill?
He is a lawyer right ? and what do lawyers do best? .......
Remember all the lines by OJ's lawyer ?
Lets all figure this out. HE and his firm has been paid 1.2 mil a month for 12 months to compensate people, and Feinberg says 200,000 people. OKay, 12. mil x 12 = 14.4 million / 200,000 people = $72.00 per claim. Thats a pretty small amount per claim. MAYBE he should be paid MORE to get more done sooner.
I have made two claims with BP and so far both have been denied. My first claim was the emergency payment claim and GCCF said I did not provide enough information. I work on a commission only selling vacations to the Gulf Coast. Now BP gave money to my company in excess of 5 million saying they had losses but some how I was not affected. Funny how the company I work for got paid and lost business buy I didn't. On another note people at my job that do the same thing as me got paid and somehow I was denied. No how can people doing the exact same job as me get paid and my company get paid but I get denied?? That was the first claim, I filed a final claim again and now they tell me I failed to show the connections between my job and a loss due to the spill. I called them and asked if they even looked at the letters from my employer and they didn't. They denied my claim without even looking at it. Would Mr Feinberg like to explain how my claim is not valid although my employer and other employees doing the exact job got paid. ..... GCCF is a total joke. People need to come together and stand against BP and the Gov that is allowing them to screw the people of the Gulf Coast.
why not ask mr. Kenneth Feinberg who he works for. he works for b p not the gov.
Piers, I just watched Ken Fienberg, BP's "pay blocker" oops, "pay czar" challenge you on how to reasonably prove oil spill claims. Its not rocket science. Throw out all claims received from north of the Mason-Dixon line. The vast majority of those claims are probably fraudulent and/or grossly over stated. Then compare everyone else's tax returns from the 2009 tax year to their 2010 returns. The difference is a good indicator of their loss due to the spill!
Then own up to the fact that everyone of BP's side of the table is primarily interested in preserving their bank accounts. That said, revoke their business licenses and shut down their criminal companies!
I want to know why the numbers don't add up, BP is saying 4.9 million gallons of oil spilled, and I heard that 85 thousand barrels leaked a day, and at 35 gallons a barrel, someone is lying 85k times 35 times 120 days is a lot more than 4.9 million gallons, I would like to get you to look into this and make it a show. BP is trying to get out of their debt for the spill to the US and the people of this country. With this being a british company and with you being british I hope you don't sweep this under the rug, because it can happen in the North sea area and someone needs to hold the companies accountable.
don,t know what to do mr feinberg ?every person living in the area is affected bij the oil spill has to be compensated for financial loss ,loss of live trauma loss of jobs loss of security future etc .etc.so simple is that, so just pay up
Mr. Feinberg is not personally being paid 1.2 million dollars a month. He has a staff and office expenses to cover. Have you checked the cost of leasing office space and paying salaries to dozens of office workers and legal staff including travel expenses?
Secondly, just to use random numbers, 500,000 individuals paid $50,000 each totals 25 billion dollars. This sum does not include other government claims or claims for clean-up, loss of tourism, or property damage claims which would likely be an additional 25 to 50 billion dollars. Mr. Feinberg has an impossible task ahead of him.
Thirdly, I would put the burden of the BP oil explosion on those government parties or politicians who force companies to operate off-shore when there are massive reserves of untapped oil on land. Send any other industry or service to operate several miles offshore under harsh and treacherous conditions and hope they don't have some sort of catastrophic occurrence. The government is somehow never held to account for its reckless policies. Yes, we want BP's oil, as long as they don't drill for it safely on solid ground. Which had the more serious consequences – drilling for oil the traditional way or forcing companies to drill offshore? It's not even a contest especially when you include the impact on marine wildlife. Oil has been our lifeline for over a century. BP is not the villain here. In my view, those who work in the oil industry are as essential as those who work in health care, education, law enforcement, and emergency services. They, too, often work in difficult and dangerous environments but we don't force them to carry out their duties several miles offshore.
i wouldn't worry what Mr feinberg will get out of this, i bet ,he will get a whole lot more than any of the victims of this oil spill disaster. he hasn't lost anything,B P took on the job and messed t op for many people and many years to come but as before,the average person will be stuck with it. just imagine ,if all those victims where high profile people part of banks government corporations etc ?you would see the millions of dollars being paid out.there might be some people lying to get a bit more compensation. just think back no lies from BP ?
Piers did a great job.
I noticed that Carvile Obama and the Democrats all shut up about the spill at the same time. That was when this "Fund" of 20 Billion was started. It has only paid 4 Billion. All money that is not paid out goes back to BP. I want an investigation in to this deal. It is Fishy and money is changing hands while the victims are being screwed. Trying to file a claim is worse with Feinberg than going to court. I am of the opinion BP paid off the politicians. I have hired a lawyer and am giving up on the Feinburg scam. He is a crook.
What law forces oil drilling offshore? Consider the following from the news in July of 2008 regarding Bush's executive order BANNING OFFSHORE DRILLING:
"However, the move is largely symbolic as there is also a federal law banning offshore drilling.
"This means that the only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil reserves is action from the U.S. Congress," Bush said"
its funny that were being blamed when it wasent even our fault .there the ones that messed everthing up anyway
I think CNN missed the real story. 300,000 claims have been paid but at what percentage and what was the criteria?
If you were involved with a cash business (fishing)- was it the last year or...3 years tax returns? Are people being paid $.10 on the dollar?
I think focusing on Feinberg's fees was a distraction. It costs to pay all of the people involved in determining the settlements. It's just as important to prosecute those filing false claims. I want to see the people of the gulf compensated for their loss but it does take time. Again, what is the criteria and why did BP leave the gulf when their job was not complete? These are the questions to be answered.
Wikkileaks ?
Had BP been allowed to drill on dry land, none of this would have happened. Government policies forced them offshore. When you send companies miles offshore to operate in a treacherous environment, the risk goes up exponentially. What other industry or agency is told they can only operate out in the middle of nowhere on top a body of water for a product we desperately need. The logic escapes me.
I have usually enjoyed watching Piers' program – until last night. His conversation with Mr. Feinberg demonstrates just how out of touch with reality the liberal media and especially the "established movie star and political left" is. It is not bad enough that social security, welfare and social government programs are ripe with fraud, not to mention medicare and medicade, and people gamed the system to get money out of Katrina and other disasters, but to suggest Mr. Feinberg should "lead with his heart instead of head" and to not ask for some level of proof that the victims of the gulf oil disaster were hurt is about one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Pray tell, Mr. Morgan, why Mr. Feinberg is getting claims from all 50 states, and the connection between North and South Dakota and the oyster industry. It is a pure example of the lefts willingness to just throw money at issues thinking it will solve them, and is "the" dangerous mentality that has gotten this country in the fix it's in. I find it most interesting that many of the liberals that profess how we should all live are usually wealthy, and are often the last to give to charitable organizations that attempt to help those in "need" – just look at Joe Bidens donations in 2010, or Warren Buffets historical giving. At the same time, we should be taking care of those in "need" instead of making it so easy for people to steal from us. At the end of the day, it's how we adminstrate all of these programs that is purely broke, not their intent. The "pursuit" of happiness is guaranteed under the consituition, while the happiness itself is not a guarantee. The liberals have done nothing but been enablers to generations of people not willing to work, but to steal and take advantage of libs to get their money. It is ruining America.
Mr. Peterson, this is not a liberal/conservative issue and I for one am tired of people from both sides trying to politicize everything. It's time to put that BS away and realize that we are talking about real people. It's time to can the political masturbation in this country and start to fix its problems. In other words, if you haven't a positive, constructive suggestion, shut up!
I would like to say that thought when the show first started, that the peirs morgan show was going to be a lower class larry king show. Or a rip off version of the larry king show. But! Last night when piers put the BP payer on the spot, That Was awesome! That was great when piers called him out on the guys wages! That was great you have me as a veiwer forever. Making 1.2 Million dollars a month. Not a year, but a month! what the hell is wrong with this country when we allow people of any calibar to make that much money! Especialy when it is for doing nothing. The f-ing president doesnt make that much money in a year. If the president doesnt make that much money he should . But thats it. What in the hell would you do with that much money anyway. Good God! thank you for giving me the oppertunity to say waht i needed to get out. follow me @pastor_william7
May God be with you!
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Mr. Feinberg is not personally making 1.2 million dollars a month. He has a staff, salaries, and office expenses to cover. Have you checked the cost of leasing office space, office equipment – phones, computers, copiers, furniture, etc. – and paying salaries to dozens of office workers and legal staff including travel expenses? Mr. Obama may only earn $400,000 a year, but he incurs several millions of dollars in costs per month. The First Lady alone has a staff of 23. Air Force 1 costs millions just to start the engine. The Secret Service budget is several million per month. His monthly travel budget, including entourage, is in the millions. Mr. Obama may pocket $400,000 a year, but his monthly expenses are in the multi millions of dollars. I am just saying Mr. Feinberg does not personally pocket $1.2 million dollars a month. One point two million is his monthly budget.
Good job Morgan. We need journalist who will continue putting pressure on BP and other corporate wrong-doers.
http://www.bpandfeinbergbankruptedus.com
Mr. Morgan, if you were an impartial journalist, the government's policy of forcing oil companies to drill offshore would be part of the discussion. It's like a mother forcing her child to go out and play in traffic and blaming automobile drivers when the child is run over. If you don't question the government's policy in forcing companies to drill off shore when there is clearly an abundance of oil across the United States, then you haven't covered the real issue for me.
The impact of drilling for oil anywhere in the United States is about as harmless as inserting a needle into one's backyard. We now know the consequences of drilling 50 miles offshore. Again, the government puts policies in place and idly stands by as an innocent bystander.
There was a non toxic Alternative to clean up the spill that has been successfully tested by BP after 10 months of spill damages. The Coast Guard sent a letter from headquarters stating to the FOSC to take action with OSE II, and the EPA, Lisa Jackson stopped the Coast Guard from allowing BP from implementing OSE II. In fact the EPA stopped the application of OSE II 11 times denying State Senators direct request for use of OSE II from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. La Department of environmental requested the use of OSE II as well, EPA's Sam Coleman denied their request without reason. Governor Jindal tried to get OSE II demonstrated on the Chandelier Islands on May 6, 2010, and the EPA stopped the Governor as well. The EPA in fact stopped the use of OSE II 11 times, without a reason given. Had the EPA allowed Governor Jindal to allow the demonstration of OSE II on May 6, 2010, it is possible a significant portion of the environmental damages, including the shorelines and the seafood industry would have been spared. The toxicty test comparison between OSE II and corexit really cannot be compared since with corexit, the label states it can cause red blood cells to burst, kidney, and liver problems if a chemical suit and respirator are not worn. OSE II in contrast can be used to wash your hands and is non toxic. The BP Deep Horizon spill has proven that corexit only sinks oil and causes the same oil to be addressed a second time when it comes ashore as under water plumes, or tar balls, while OSE II has a substantiated end point of converting oil to CO2 and water. See Coast Guard letter below
U. S. Department
of Homeland Security
United States
Coast Guard
Commanding Officer 1 Chelsea Street
U. S. Coast Guard New London, CT 06320
Research and Development Center Staff Symbol: Contracting Office
Phone: (860) 271-2807
July 10, 2010
OSEI Corporation
P.O. Box 515429
Dallas, TX 75251
Attn: Steven Pedigo, President/Owner
DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE BAA HSCG32-10-R-R00019, TRACKING #2003954
We are pleased to inform you that the initial screening of your White Paper submitted under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HSCG32-10-R-R00019 has been completed. It has been determined that your White Paper submission has a potential for benefit to the spill response effort.
Your White Paper has been forwarded to the Deepwater Horizon Response Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) for further action under its authority. Subject to the constraints and needs of the ongoing oil spill response, you may be contacted by the FOSC or the responsible party.
We appreciate your interest in supporting the Deepwater Horizon Response effort.
Contracting Officer /s/
USCG R&D Center