Citgo suspends program that offers free heating oil to poor
From Staff and Wire Reports
BOSTON — Citgo, the Venezuelan government’s Texas-based oil subsidiary, has suspended its free heating oil program for the poor in the United States, citing falling oil prices and the world economic crisis.
The joint effort by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy — the eldest son of late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy — is a controversial program that provides fuel assistance to 400,000 households in 23 states.
In Maine, approximately 20,000 private households participated in the program last year, as well as a number of homeless shelters and about 3,000 American Indian households, according to a Citizens Energy spokesman.
Tammy Littlefield of Bangor, a single parent with a 13-year-old son, said the 100 gallons of heating oil she received from the program last year “was really helpful. A hundred gallons doesn’t get you through the winter, but it really helps when you need it.”
Without the assistance this year, Littlefield said Monday, “I’m hoping to borrow some money from my family and pay them back when I get my tax return.”
Started in 2005 with Kennedy’s Citizens Energy, a nonprofit group aimed at reducing the home heating costs of low-income and elderly residents, the program sent 100 gallons of free oil a year to eligible households but drew fire from critics who said it was just a ploy by Chavez to undermine the Bush administration.
Citgo donated 100 million gallons last year, according to Citizens Energy.
At a news conference held at Citizens Energy’s Boston headquarters, Kennedy said Citgo officials told him of their decision and he was forced to go public so that households expecting the assistance will know what’s happening.
“Citgo made it clear that this is not a cancellation of this program,” Kennedy said. “But at the end of the day, the tankers are not going to be in front of this building.”
Kennedy said “a couple of hundreds of thousands” would be affected by the Citgo suspension, including those living on dozens of American Indian tribal lands.
Bill Thompson, vice chief of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island, said Monday that he had not heard about the suspension and remained confident that American Indian communities in Maine would receive their oil shipments.
“Native American tribes share a unique government-to-government relationship with the government of Venezuela,” Thompson said. The Penobscot Nation has participated in the program for the past four years, he said.
Representatives of the Houlton Band of Maliseets and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs said their applications to the program have been filed and there has been no indication the oil would not be delivered as in previous years.
A spokeswoman for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point said the community has applied to the program in the past but did not apply this year.
Citizens Energy spokesman Brian O’Connor said in a telephone interview Monday evening that his organization worked “up to the eleventh hour to get clarification from Citgo” before announcing the program’s suspension.
About 20 staffers at Citizens Energy were told Monday they had been laid off as a result of the suspension.
Kennedy urged those who have been helped by the program to write to Chavez to share their stories. Kennedy said that Citizens Energy would continue to run some of its heating assistance programs for now, but the majority of its programs outside of Massachusetts would be suspended. “The big kahuna were those Venezuelan oil tankers,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy also said he was seeking a face to face meeting with Chavez.
Littlefield of Bangor said she would like to have received the free oil again this year.
“It’s a great program, especially when someone’s in a bind,” she said.
Even though heating oil prices have lowered recently, the fuel is still expensive, she said.
“You’d think that with the record profits they’re making they’d still come up with enough oil to give to help anyone that needs it.”
Littlefield has taken some energy saving measures such as putting vinyl sheeting around the foundation, hanging insulated drapes on the windows, and purchasing a digital thermostat to automatically lower the temperature certain times of the day when she and her son are out or in bed.
Still, Littlefield said she lives in an older home that is “always a task to keep warm.”
Citizens Energy was founded by Kennedy in 1979 in the wake of the energy crisis of the late 1970s with the goal of reducing the cost of home heating oil for the poor and elderly.
Kennedy drew fire from critics of Chavez when he began the fuel assistance program with Citgo. Critics charged that Chavez, a socialist and staunch U.S. critic who famously called President Bush “the devil,” was using the heating oil program as propaganda.
“It looks like the cost of bringing Fidel Castro’s brand of rich vs. poor politics to America just got to be too expensive for Venezuela’s bellicose president, but it’s hardly a surprise that he’s pulling out of our economy now that he’s crashed his own,” said Larry Neal, deputy Republican staff director of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Former U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., once accused Kennedy of working with “a sworn enemy of the United States” and betraying the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, his uncle, who spoke of the perils of communism.
Kennedy has responded that critics should hold oil-exporting countries and other trade partners, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia and China, to the same standards.
On Monday, Kennedy also called out U.S. oil companies for not taking part in his efforts to provide heating assistance to low-income households. “This shouldn’t be the responsibility of another country,” Kennedy said. “I don’t get one barrel from one U.S. company. Not one.”
BDN writers Meg Haskell and Rick Levasseur contributed to this report.
On 1/6/09 at 1:27 AM,
bassman4447 wrote:
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take 1% of the oil profits. It would help millions. the greedy ---------
On 1/6/09 at 6:04 AM,
hardworkingmom wrote:
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Bill Thompson, vice chief of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island, said Monday that he had not heard about the suspension and remained confident that American Indian communities in Maine would receive their oil shipments
Of course they will get their oil shipments, The Native American's get everything they want, including free food, free housing and free medical care.
If the Native Americans are so proud of their heritage and lineage, why do they depend on services that hundreds of years ago were not here. Did Native Americans heat with oil in the early 1900's? Or before that? I don't think that there were oil furnaces in the late 18 early 1900's, but I may be wrong. With this population constantly complaining about not being respected for their beliefs and traditions, why don't they practice more of those beliefs and traditions? Instead, they complain and get everything for free, they don't teach their young people about their heritage, which I myself, believe it or not find fascinating, no they don't pass on any traditions but complain about what they can't or don't get. Mabye the Native American's should start teaching about customs and traditions, and their beliefs, then they wouldn't have to worry about heating oil, that NO ONE can afford.
On 1/6/09 at 6:08 AM,
augustagoverned wrote:
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Ah, the fat little dictator needs all of his money to feed the poor in his own hovel of a country this year. Nothing left over for PR BS?
On 1/6/09 at 6:26 AM,
vichet wrote:
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Yes, Chavez is facing internal problems from mismanagement of his economy and his pennies a gallon sale of oil to his own people subsidized by US citizens is in trouble. It will also probably cut into his weapons procurement programs... Russian Subs and Fighter-Bombers that he had been buying...hardworkingmom..... I think you are a little harsh.
On 1/6/09 at 6:44 AM,
mainah_mom wrote:
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I agree vichet....hardworkingmom...that is quite harsh.
I have native american in me....not enough to qualify for anything, but it is still my heritage. My grandparents are 1/2 indian and my great grandmother was full blooded. You are putting all native americans in a general box and judging.
On 1/6/09 at 6:55 AM,
freedomfighter wrote:
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Since the republicans don't like Chavez aiding poor people in our country, maybe they can talk Exxon Mobil into taking it over. Yeah right.
On 1/6/09 at 7:10 AM,
anonymousahole wrote:
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HARDWORKINGMOM, I AM 1/2 NATIVE AMERICAN AND I WORK. DO NOT RECIEVE ASSISTANCE. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ON BLACKS AND HISPANICS? WHAT A SELF RIGHTOUES B**CH YOU ARE,
On 1/6/09 at 7:19 AM,
vichet wrote:
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freedomfighter... Your "all is free" system just doesnt work.... Never in history has.....ever.
On 1/6/09 at 8:13 AM,
boogyman wrote:
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The entire program was nothing more than communist propaganda. I'm glad it's over. The US never should have allowed it in the first place. Just goes to show how far down the toilet this country has gone.
On 1/6/09 at 8:21 AM,
LincolnMOM wrote:
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I think "The POOR" have it way too good sometimes...they have everything handed to them............they need to LEARN to budget and plan ahead. Us hardworking families do...we start saving for our heating oil in summer, and we also have a property tax savings account. It's just a part of life, and I feel that there should be a "Program" out there to help TEACH lower income families to help themselves a bit more, through tough times...but not take advantage and expect it every year. Laziness breeds laziness...teach your children to grow up to be RESPONSIBLE for the choices they make, and not to have babies until they can afford to etc.
On 1/6/09 at 9:12 AM,
Sandy_88 wrote:
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hardworkingmom.... what is your nationality? Black?,White? Hispanic?etc........or American???? What are you teaching your children,by being such a bigot?Are you teaching them respect for others no matter what heritage they are, or are you teaching them to be a bigot like you?
Think about how many Americans recieve Food stamps, Liheap, low income housiing, Mainecare or medicaid all FREE from the government!!!! I don't believe they are all Native American do you? Do you recieve any of these substidies? Should we look down on you and your nationality because you do? You say you find the Native American heritage facinating but I don't believe you!!!!!! You are placing all Native Americans in the same general catagory and judging them all the same way. there is good and bad in all races and this is not fair for you to be judging anyone ! That is God,s job and how do you think he will judge you?
Who are you to say that we don't teach our children our heritage and traditions? Native American studies and languages are now taught in our schools where our's and your children will learn the truth and hopefully will not grow up with the bigot beliefs that were passed down to you from your bigot parents!! Children only know what they are taught, and you need to ask yourself if you are teaching your children to grow up to be a bigot and carry on the belief that its ok to judge other people because they are not the same as you.
I know a lot of Native Americans that work hard and try to make a good life for their family but EVERYONE may need a little help to make it thru every now and then. Just remember someday it may be you and your family that needs it. EVERYONE needs to stay warm, no matter what nationality you are or what traditions that you follow!!!! GO back under your woodpile. God help you!!
On 1/6/09 at 9:40 AM,
pcme2000 wrote:
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I think people are being way to harsh on hardworkingmom. What she is saying is that if people in general learned to live like our elders did that there wouldn't be such a depenance on Government handouts.
On 1/6/09 at 9:41 AM,
cnabas wrote:
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Hardworkingmom, your twisted attitude sickens me.You are part of the problem not the solution! I am white female that cannot handle HATE.
On 1/6/09 at 9:49 AM,
boarder wrote:
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hardworkingmom is saying she is a racist, and anything else you can glean from her words of wisdom is pure gravy. We live in a society where we cannot live like our elders did, a society that fosters "government handouts". What happens to me if I go into the wood today and kill a deer to feed my family? What if I walk into those same woods today and cut down enough wood to keep my family warm for the winter? I think serious fines, and perhaps jail time would be in my future.
Poor people cannot budget what they do not have. It is that simple. Most people who are poor do not choose to be. To think that is complete idiocy. Our society has taught us that the easist way is the best way, and there are a few people out there who think that means living off the state, but the vast majority of people who recieve assistance in Maine work.
All this being said, it does make me angry to see people who recieve aid using their Blackberry with a Bluetooth stuck to the side of their head.
On 1/6/09 at 10:00 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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Your a sick pup.
On 1/6/09 at 10:09 AM,
CandyofBrewer wrote:
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I have to write now. I have family members who through no fault of their own lost their jobs just as the oil prices went through the roof. Joe's Oil got them 100 gallons of oil enough to get them through until someone else offered assistance. Not everyone has the means to "lock in" oil prices on a contract. These people were living paycheck to paycheck. Yes they have two cars one is a 1994 and the other is a 1998. Both are very fuel efficient. They need these because the hours they worked were in opposition of each other and they traveled in different directions. They don't have any toys IE motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATV's, Boats, Campers. Yet the US Government and the State of Maine refused them help because their (get this) income was too high (They recieved $4 too much in unemployment compensation). YET their neighbors who have ALL the aforementioned toys are on assistance year round. Both parents in that home are working and have not been laid off. One of them brags about bringing home $3000 every two weeks.
I thank Joe Kennedy for doing EVERYTHING he could to help out those families who desperately need it. BUSH and the OIL MONGERS in Washington can call him anything they like...HE HELPED THEY DIDN'T. All they did was allow the US OIL COMPANIES to gain mulit billion dollar WINDFALL PROFITS and open the way (NAFTA) for all the jobs to be "outsourced" overseas.
It is GREED that has been killing America. And until those in power start taking responsibility for thier parts in the problem, we will ALL keep paying the costs of that Greed.
As to the Native Americans....Don't paint them all with the same tar brush Hardworking Mom. For the most part they ALL work, unfortunately they live in Maine and get paid the lowest salaries...like most of us...it is not enough to pay for everything. Your Judgement of them all shows you to be prejudiced beyond reason. And I've never seen you write anything so insulting before this.
On 1/6/09 at 10:58 AM,
JWBooth wrote:
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Gotta wonder how much young Kennedy stole before the program was suspended.
On 1/6/09 at 11:10 AM,
jaguarsky wrote:
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Well said boarder.
On 1/6/09 at 11:22 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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It's because GW is getting done soon. Chavez was just doing it just to get under GW's skin.
On 1/6/09 at 11:52 AM,
Sandy_88 wrote:
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WELL SAID!!! boarder and CandyofBrewer
Prejudice and Greed in its ugliest form
On 1/6/09 at 12:26 PM,
boarder wrote:
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Yes, SteveyDee...That is true. Because we all know that GW was doing such a fine job before Chavez gave away some oil.
On 1/6/09 at 2:30 PM,
sickntired2 wrote:
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I have to pay for my oil...so what is the big deal? I tried to get fuel assistance once...got denied for making $28.00 too much a month. So I had to go out & get 2 MORE jobs on top of the one I already had, was exhausted ALL the time, & hardly got to see my kids. I feel very little pity for freeloaders. I feel bad for the elderly that just can't get by. I hate to say it, but I agree with hardworkingmom. Why should Native Americans just automatically get free fuel? How long must everyone pay for what was done to them hundreds of years ago??? Move on. Nobody is forcing you to stay on reservations where there is free housing, free medical, food vouchers....hell, sounds good to me. Can I move there? WHY would they WANT to leave?
On 1/6/09 at 3:29 PM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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I blame the Jews. I'm trying to be rational here... the jews start a war in israel against "militants" and yet kill few of them and kill over 500 civilians.
This drives oil prices up $15 and causes Islamic countries to start banning us oil...When will the jews learn that all they're doing aiding these facists?
On 1/6/09 at 5:03 PM,
boogyman wrote:
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Send Sean Penn the statesman back down there to talk some sense into old Hugo. Maybe Hugo is just counting on Obama nationalizing (that means stealing to those of you on MDI) the oil companies like he did in his country.
On 1/6/09 at 6:36 PM,
wtacey wrote:
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This was one of the few programs that helped the working family. 2 years ago both my husband and I were working until he was hospitalized for 2 weeks. They filled up our tank and helped us when no one else would. It helped us not get so far over our heads that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
On 1/7/09 at 11:36 AM,
mariahstorm wrote:
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Thank you Joe Kennedy and Mr. Chavez.....May God Keep You Safe....
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