Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Oil and Blood: The Osage Murders
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Oct 20, 2023 The tragic tale of the Osage Nation unfolds with sudden deaths, mysterious disappearances, and a dark web of greed. We hear about the ruthless exploitation faced by the Osage people, revealing systemic racism that denied them control over their own affairs. FBI agent Tom White’s dogged pursuit of justice against a backdrop of corruption adds tension. This story not only uncovers a grim history but also examines the ongoing legacy and struggles of the victims' descendants, making the past hauntingly present.
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The Osage Murders Begin
- Minnie Smith died mysteriously of a "peculiar wasting illness," followed by her sister Anna's murder.
- Molly, the remaining sister, sought help from her influential uncle, William Hale.
The Resource Curse
- Oil wealth doesn't guarantee prosperity; it often leads to the "resource curse."
- Countries like Iraq, Iran, Venezuela, and Nigeria exemplify this, struggling despite vast oil reserves.
Guardianship and Exploitation
- The US government implemented a guardianship system for Osage deemed "incompetent."
- This system, rooted in racism, facilitated exploitation by guardians controlling Osage finances.
