Republican Oil Slick
70
The Oil Rig
On April 21, 2010 and oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded in a great ball of fire. Since then, an estimated 200,000 gallons of oil have been pouring into the Gulf. Eleven men aboard the rig died. The Coasts of Louisiana, Alabama and Florida are in danger of the massive oil slick hitting their shores. The fishing industry in the area has been ruined. Livelihoods at in the balance.
The Federal Government responded immediately. The EPA and the United States Coast Guard worked on the environmental and human aspects of this disaster. Cabinet members were dispatched to Loiuisiana. And more imporantly, local efforts began immediately, which resources provided by the Federal Government.
The Republican Response
Republicans, and many of them, have been trying for the last week to somehow blame the Obama Administration for this growing environmental disaster. Rush Limbaugh called this incident "Obama's Katrina" in an attempt to compare what the Federal Government has done in this crisis to the Bush Administration lack of response to Hurricane Katrina.
Michael Browne, yes Browney himself, has been going around telling anyone who will listen that the Obama Administration is as bad as Bush and alleges that the Obama Administration wants this disaster to push forward a liberal Environmental agenda. Never mind that a month ago the President released plan to drill more in the Gulf to the heartbreak of liberals across the country.
Are You Kidding Me?
This is a horrible disaster and many lives are going to be ruined. Eleven lives are lost and their families devastated. It is important to keep that foremost in our thoughts.
But it is also important not to left the Republican oil slick take off under these circumstances. Not everything is Obama's fault. This crisis was man made not some horrible and destructive act of God. BP, the company that owns the oil but refuses to accept responsibility for the disaster, is the primary entity that deserves blame here. It is their oil, their rig run by their agent and it broke. It broke and killed eleven people. It broke and oil is gushing into the Gulf of Mexico and BP does not know how to stop it. And worse of all, the livelihoods of those people whose industries are going to be destroyed and not going to get fully compensated by BP. In 1990, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law a bill capping liability for these type of disasters to 75 million dollars.
Second, unlike Katrina, nobody had any notice that this disaster was going to happen.. FEMA, under Browney, had at least a week to plan for Katrina. No plans were made. No troops were moved. Nothing was done beforehand. Nothing was done afterwards, for a while at least. This incident happened without notice. It was the Federal Government that looked for the missing persons for three days. It was the Federal Government that began Environmental Safeguards, with the help and manpower of local officials.
Knock It Off
Michael Browne has some nerve. Here was a man that was not qualified for the position he held, did nothing to help people in trouble and will forever have to live with that legacy. Here is now, trying to salvage his reputation by trying to compare a man made corporate oil disaster that killed eleven people, to the man made disaster caused by ineptness that killed thousands. But to be fair to Browney, he did not cause the hurricane, and neither did Bush. They don't deserve the blame for the disaster, just the aftermath.
Here Obama does not deserve blame for the crisis, and should not get the blame for the aftermath as BP is the one who will have to pay. What really can the government do that is not already being done? For all the complaining conservatives do about government intervention, when it involves corporations paying for their mistakes, the first place they look is the government. Why blame a reckless corporatation who is trying to avoid liability when you can point the finger at government and deflect attention away from your friends?
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Whose To Blame?
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UW,
Agreed. Comparing this to Katrina is desperate. Thanks for the comment.
If Bush was in office, the dems would be all over Bush. So take you medicine
Here in Iowa the floods two years ago did a lot more damage than Katrina did in N.O. We, in the midwest cleaned up the mess and kept on going. We did not need the government to do all the work for us. We did it ourselves. Why can't the New Orleaneans do this. In most cases they did, and except for some, and these are the ones we hear about.
And Iowa is a blue state, but we are very conservative, self reliant, and hard working.
So every time I hear about Katrina and people putting down Bush. I say bullcrap. This is just a bunch of democrats putting down the republicans. I can shut them down pretty fast. You don't hear much about the floods in Iowa now do you.
Keep on hubbing!
I knew about he Floods in Iowa. And yes, local authorities did a great job, as they are today. Nobody blamed Bush then as well they shouldn't. But New Orleans was a federal problem because of the levies that were built and maintained by the Federal Government.
Its not the Dems complaining today, it is those who screwed up during the Bush Administration trying to salvage their reputations. That is the point. As for me, I do blame Obama a bit for this. Has not pushed at all for safety regulations on oil rigs. Simply solution to this problem that was ignored by the prior administation and current administration. Too much money in oil is filtered to politicians and this is the result.
Thanks for the comment.
in the beginning you said the federal government responded immediately! This my friend is a bald face lie! The daily activities are recorded for the head of the EPA (who is supposed to protect the environment for us) She attended awards ceremonies, traveled to speaking engagements and said NOTHING for 9 days! Obama sent the swat teams down there! after 3 days! what a joke, all they have done is demonize this situation, NO HELP whatsover! Has anyone noticed that Obama always responds with demonization and saying the only way to fix it is larger government? I call bullhoky!
Ken Salazar's Minerals Management Service issued a "categorical exclusion" in early April of 2010 which allowed BP to proceed with this plan. It is also true that the Bush administration relaxed rules in 2008. As is true with most large oil spills, there are no clean hands.
American Romance,
The Coast Guard was there immediatley. The EPA was working with BP immediately. BP told them at first that it was taken care of and the oil was stopped. Not a lie, the truth.
Thanks for reading
PA,
I agree, the President does have to answer why regulations were not tougher. But that is different than trying to call this another "Katrina."
Thanks for the comment.
bgpappa, It was not really as much of the authorities, as it is the people. I had friends who lost their houses, but they got on their feet and got another and took care of themselves. They did not go to FEMA trailers and complain that the government is not taking care of them.
Keep on hubbing!
Fair point Eovery,
Thanks for reading.
As always, a very good hub bgpappa. You beat me by the punch with this article. I was also trying to reflect on the whole (nonsensical) notion of "Obama's Katrina" in reference BP's oil spill in the Gulf (WTF?). I agree with you with the contrasting points that you made about the two events. And if I may, I will add another point...
Katrina, although a natural event, was even worst because of the lack of attention and preparedness, adequate and prompt response by government, even though there were many previous reports which noticed and alerted about that kind of disaster. Many people died because the were left on their own means to protect themselves (even though the were poor, old and disabled... many without means to get out of the city). The federal investment on the conditioning and reconstruction of the levees where hugely cut since 2001, even though the Corps of Engineers, FEMA and the LSU have said they will not hold in occasion of a high level hurricane. On top of this, the Federal government failed to assist the state and city governments days before and almost a week after the ANNOUNCED natural event. The reason: the contemporary Republican discourse against the Federal government.
Therefore, a Huge difference between these two events and the Presidential administrations is that while Bush administration was cutting the budget and dismantling key Federal agencies like FEMA and the Corps of Engineers (while at the same time giving massive tax cuts and relaxing government regulation to corporations), the Obama administration shows a governmental philosophy in which government is essential to guarantee the safety of the nation, its citizens and resources. Federal agencies now are acting according that predicament. FEMA, US Coast Guard and EPA have been key actors in the cleaning up of an UNANNOUNCED (nevertheless preventable) Corporate F*%@$@ up.
What I would like now is for the Obama administration to undo the lift of the offshore drilling moratorium and stop the whole project.
Offshore oil drilling is too dangerous for marine ecosystems and coastal communities, it should not be allowed. Much less in such a corporative culture where there is no ethics, responsibility neither serious accountability. Neither effective technological strategies to deal with accidents.
Caribe,
I would be intereted in a hub by you on this topic. Write it, and I will link it.
I think you may a good point. Not sure if a ban on all offshore oil drilling is the point, but I certainly would support new drills. Apparently, this happens a lot with a big rig fire in Australia last year. Oddly, Haliburton was involved in that one too.
As for the damage, this lasts for a long time. There was a huge oil spill in Santa Barbara in the sixties. If you go to the beautiful beaches near the University today, there is still tar in the sand. I am no expert, but that cannot be good for anything.
Thanks for reading.
Hey, thanks for that... I will think about to write the Hub ;)
BTW.. early last week a posted one about the environmental dangers of the oil spill, I mentioned Santa Barbara's disaster there to frame the potential (and this week already seen) environmental effects of this new oil spill.
Regarding the point of drilling... I think we should focus on alternative energy sources which are friendlier to the natural resources instead of poking a hole everywhere to search for crude. Corporate culture -particularly nowadays- makes me even more wary about those energetic strategies.
Oceans are very vulnerable to this kind of exploitation, besides, there are also economic problems to the communities in the disaster zones . Louisiana's wetlands produces about 30% of the ocean products in the US. Can you imagine the huge hit to local communities if this kind of accident happens every 10 or 15 years in various points in the coastland of the US (or in any other oil exploiting country)?
"There was a huge oil spill in Santa Barbara in the sixties. If you go to the beautiful beaches near the University today, there is still tar in the sand."
And yet that happened 41 years ago and the leak is not close to this one... :(
I saw your hub and linked it, very good by the way.
Agreed about alternative energy, but we aren't there yet. In the meantime, we have to survive, of course your point about local communities and the hit they will take is very valid.
THanks for reading and your insight.
I agree. You should add that the only way that oil was going to the U.S. is by the Oil Spill. That oil from BP was to be sold to the open market which could be China.
So much for "Drill baby Drill."
Hi-Jinks,
I didn't know that it wasn't even going to the US.
Drill Baby Spill
Thanks for the comment.
Notice this is a foreign company drilling. I don't think many US companies have permits to drill. Why is this? The way I understand it there are x amount of permits, and they are going foreign. Something fishy in the Gulf?
Keep on hubbing!
I believe that began under the former administration. An no, because of the oil slick, not that much fishy in the gulf anymore.
Thanks for reading
Still smells fishy!
Keep on hubbing
Fair enough,
Thanks for reading
Actually, it was the republican conservatives who have argued and argued for drilling, drilling DRILLING. How can they blame Obama for allowing it? If Obama made any mistake here, it was trying to compromise with republicans by allowing more drilling to take place. He has always been correct about the country needing to discover new sources of energy. If this isn't the handwriting on the wall, I don't know what is. Still don't understand how the republicans and big oil companies can continue to insist on drilling, and then blame the president, and democrats, when something goes wrong as a result of it. ????? Guess I'm slow; can't figure that out. (: v
Valerie,
I totally agree. They blame him, yet defend the oil companies. This will hurt them.
THanks for the comment
It happened on Obama's watch! He must take his medicine. It is ironic! It is kind of like Bush catching the heat for 09/11 when all of the planning and preparation for this event happened under Clinton's nose. An alert Clinton administration probably stops 09/11 in its early stages. Well, anyway...Obama has got to deal with this and it sure looks likes he has no idea what to do!
I agree he has to deal with it. But unlike 9-11, Obama had no warning in his hands about this one month before hand. But alas, I am one liberal that does not blame Bush for 9/11. Clinton was to blame, as were the Reupublicans in Congress who cared more about BJs than national security. But in the end, the 19 people who boarded planes to kill Americans are to blame.
But Katrina was not 9/11 and neither is this oil slick. Republicans in the last ten years killed regulations. Killed forcing back up plans to ensure this doesn't happen. Now they celebrate as the Gulf Coast gets covered in oil because it is something they can blame Obama on.
Come on bgpappa- If you are going to assign blame....well, then lets analyze 09/11. Clinton administation put up road blocks between intelligence agencies that prevented vital information being passed to proper authorities about the eventual highjackers of 09/11. Even a nice liberal as yourself should be able to spot the obvious guilt here. ANd...Obama has been in power with a super majority in congress for well over a year....plenty of time to roll back any silly deregulation of oil companies. This smells of incompetence from Obama and company. What say you????
Are you incapable of placing any blame for anything on Bush? I mean really. One year versus eight. Agreed, the democrats in Congress have missed the boat and will pay the price in November, but you can't fix all of Bush's mistakes in one year. The economy, the war, the lack of respect around the world, the war on terrorism; not bad for the first year.
If were are going to go to past mistakes, let's blame Regan for refusing to rebuild Afghanistan after the Russians left. Instead, he allowed the Taliban to take over and a new form of terrorist group bred there. Yes, as I said, Clinton deserves some blame, I said that, and wondering if you even read my responses.
"Clinton administation put up road blocks between intelligence agencies that prevented vital information being passed to proper authorities about the eventual highjackers of 09/11"
NOT true, actually was the intelligence team that was working under Clinton's administration who gathered and made connections about a possible attack in the US, and gave the incoming administration of President George W. Bush with a "comprehensive strategy" against al-Qaeda. Bush administration overlooked the intelligence briefings and intelligence plans, and his administration even lied about the existence of such documents.
Haven't you read R. Clark's book "Against all enemies"? and above all haven't you read the January 25, 2001's memo on al-Qaeda from counterterrorism coordinator Richard Clarke to National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice? (BTW, that memo included two attachments: December 2000 "Strategy for Eliminating the Threat from the Jihadist Networks of al-Qaeda: Status and Prospects" (this have been already de-classified) and the September 1998 "Pol-Mil Plan for al-Qida," the so-called Delenda Plan, which remains classified.
Look for those documents, read, study and interpret them by yourself.
On the other hand, I also agree with Valerie's comment.
I can place blame with Bush.....but actually I am trying to show you, through humor and absurdity, that presidents are not to blame for unforseen tragedies that happen. Certainly, you can now see that blame does not alway fall on who is in office. You can make the point that some Bush policies led to some problems that Obama must face. Much like the housing bust during Bush's presidency was a direct result of Clinton policies. The circle of political life.
Caribe,
All valid points. Bush did have notice. But still can't blame him personally for the attacks. Clinton's personal conduct distracted the country. The Republicans in Congress "impeachment" distracted the country. All deserve blame.
Thanks for the comment.
I disagree that the "housing bust during Bush's presidency was a direct result of Clinton policies." Bush (his administration) directly and indirectly got rid of all regulation.
But I do agree that you can't blame a President personally as a President is a figurehead for policy. But Conservatives have no problem blaming Obama personally, so why not blame Bush.
But Bush was not the source of all problems, with that I agree. But his administration's failure to do anything about any of the problems that face us today, failure to acknowledge any mistakes, and the conservative spin machines attempts to ignore those eight years was the point of this hub.
Thanks for the debate.
I understand you cant find fault with Clinton...as your vision is clouded. YOu should look into his policies that in 1999, paved the way for massive amounts of bad loans in the name of helping the needy get housing.
Wow, you really don't read the comment. I have no problem blaming anyone, including Clinton, but only when blame is due. The housing crisis was a combination of factors. Clinton yes, Bush yes, banks yes, wall street yes, American people who took on loans that were too big, yes. A crisis that big takes a number of factors, not just one. Its not like an oil slick where a company doesn't build the well right and millions of gallons of oil spill into the gulf.
I did read your comment, and I then deduced that your vision is cloudy as you refuse to see Clinton actions that definitely led to housing problem. Again, Fannie and Freddie are clearly a democrat invention, it is undeniable, except for those who walk around with their eyes closed. And you also choose not truly evaluate this oil spill. Actually you must look at what the environmentalist movement did to oil exploration. It moved it way off-shore into deep ocean environment that is obviously risky. Our oil problem is a complicated one with plenty of blame to go around. But you keep living in your dream world.
If I had it my way there would be no oil exploration, but I don't get my way because the world isn't perfect. So your answer is to allow oil right on the shore, because there are never any mess ups there. Fannie and Freddie are democratic inventions, but look at what the Bush Administration did with those agencies. Bush's mandate that everyone should own a home. That is where the loans came from.
Thanks for reading.
Bush certainly let the progams ride, and there is some blame for this,,doesnt excuse the hard facts that the program was a democratic invention and would not have even existed and flourished except for Clinton. As for no oil exploration.....I suppose you want to go back to living in tents with no air conditioning. Maybe we could all go back to horses for our transportation. I suppose we could use wind to power our ships. You are a fool.
I am actually for nuclear power and natural gas, wind and hydro. Where I live, our electricty mostly comes from HydroElectric Power and we pay less and have an ample supply.
Oil is not the only answer. Right now it is the biggest profit and that is why politicians, of both parties, refuse to do anything.
I am not looking to move backward, I want to the US to do what it has always done, move the world forward. Oil and coal are the past, it is time to move forward.
As for the personal attacks, keep it down. I enjoy respectful debate even with someone I have no agreements with, but respectful debate please.
bgpappa
Oil and coal are the past, it is time to move forward.
If I had it my way there would be no oil exploration I have no problem blaming anyone, including Clinton, but only when blame is due.
_____________________________________________________________SPIN THE BLAME GAME for Clinton. Bush and now Barack Obama.
The past is the past, Obama did say '' the buck stops with him and he assumes all the blame '', something like that in front of the cameras and the public. Attorney General Holder and the US government will consider prosecuting the guilty party for breaking a mix of laws on the books. Obama is pledging to make new laws if the old laws are not sufficient to prosecute whoever.
The government forces the oil companies to drill in deeper water (5000 feet ) when in Alaska the oil companies only need to drill 100feet to get oil. At 100 feet divers can repair a problem, in 5000 feet divers cannot go that deep.
What's wrong with the similarity, in Alaska the government hasn't released the permits.
Drilling in Anwar, where there is an abundant of natural gas and oil is forbidden. Picture this, the size of Anwar is the area of a 2 car garage, the area that the oil companies want to drill is the size of a 25 cent piece. REALLY!
Not to be using our natural resources to offset relying on foreign governments supply is insane and inexcusable in these troubled times.
Obama puts people in charge who don't have any idea or experience in solving the problem. BP understands that the first thing is to stop or contain the oil if possible. So, who is the blame for an accident that killed 11 people and polluted the gulf states? Only time and the courts will decide. For this country to cease oil production is obviously not the right thing unless you want to destroy the country.
Let's not forget that Congressman Frank and Senator Dodd told the American people in 2006 that Freddie an Fannie were not a problem. REALLY!
Let's not forget that in 2007 (Republican Congress)unemployment was 4.6% . Now after 2007,2008 ( Democrat Congress )2009 and 2010 ( 100% Democrat controlled ) unemployment is 9.9%.
Bush left with a deficit of $1.3 trillion less the repaid tarp $700billion equals $600 billion. Just 18 months into the Obama administration the deficits $3.5 trillion. The 2010 budget due in April has yet to be released, could it be that it will further increase the deficit ?
Clinton and Bush are gone, the inexperience and incompetent Obama presidency is in charge with a majority Democrat Congress. Let's face reality, Obama's idea of change will not work because the people are not as dumb and stupid as Washington believes.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, STOP THE SPENDING
Jon,
Eight years of incompetentcy in all areas caused the economic crisis. I agree, spending is too high. Shouldn't have bailed out those corporations. Should demand payment in full with interest. But to forget the causes of what has gotten us here is too not to learn the lessons.
Yes Obama said he is responsible for the cleanup. That is what a leader does, stands in front and says follow me. But he said the cleanup, not the mess. "So, who is the blame for an accident that killed 11 people and polluted the gulf states" you ask. BP, Halliburton and the other companies at fault.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Oil and coal are the past??????? I dont know what world you are living in, but Oil and coal are the present! Especially in regard to oil, there is nothing that comes even close to the efficiency and the technology of our internal combustion engine and the energy source is OIL! Coal is the best choice to power our electricity plants since the environmentalists and liberals have demonized nuclear power. Oil is only a big profit for companies because of the high demand. NOt a huge mark up. The demand is high because oil is a MUST NEED product for todays economy and tomorrows economy and next years economy and the economy of 10 years from now. WAKE UP!
My point is we need to move away from oil and coal. We moved away from whale oil, buggy whips and I am sure people fought against that in the past. But are you telling me in the United States we cannot think of something better, cleaner, etc. I don't believe that. But you say why should we, we have these resources so why look to advance?
It is not about fighting against a better idea....it is that there is no better idea out there. We can not transform this global economy to a less efficient and less productive system. I agree for us to attempt to find a better solution for our energy needs. However, we are many years away from this transformation as we have no alernative yet.
Solutions to problems comes after a need, a deep reflection about the status quo and strong (economical and political) will to change. Solutions doesn't appear magically or by a miracle, they need a serious investment of human and material resources. In other words, solutions to technological problems needs capital and the development of knowledge. If we don't insist (politically) on the investment and development of better alternatives, they will never appear; economic interests alone will not forge the shift.
But right now Republicans fight against any attempt to new develop new techologies and rely of "drill baby drill" even when it results in spill baby spill. As for democrats, they are too spineless to actually fight for anything these days and have left the reservation on the environment and new sources of energy long ago. So I raise the issue, me alone, and hope to do something. Even though only you are reading this at this point, at least I am willing to say it.
Caribe,
Economic forces can force change, but only if it will result in a profit. Right now, the oil companies make too much for the market to have any effect. Change will only come with political and moral pressure and people demanding that change.
But I like where you are coming from and agree. Thanks for the comment.
Well , same old same old. You wrote about (R) oil slick but failed to mention one . ( that is serving ). Rush is just a talking head that makes a lot of money off of American Government . He has no power . He gets nobody elected . He's a joke in many ways . So the story is conjectural .
"Economic forces can force change, but only if it will result in a profit. Right now, the oil companies make too much for the market to have any effect."
EXACTLY!!!! That was the point. ;)
Tucker,
Not sure what point you are making, not being rude but there are some words missing so I am literally missing your point. As for Rush, he speaks for a great number of people and has spun this from the get go. He appears to be the only true leader of the conservative movement along with Palin and has said that oil is natural so there really isn't anything to worry about.
Thanks for reading.
Caribe, point well taken. But that is the free market system and without regulation and if many who have commented have their way that is the only way change will happen.
You and I beleive in something a little bit different.
So we agree.
Thanks for stopping by
What amazes me is that the right tends to blame everyone but the business responsible. It almost seems like a reflex for them. So it's either Obama or some act of God, not BP. Since corporations are these benevolent creatures that can do no wrong. It's sort of messed up.
Agreed liber,
They want corporations to pay no taxes, have no liability and to be totally unregulated. Wait, we did that during the Bush years. That worked out well for everyone didn't it.
Thanks for reading.
bgpappa
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE? Please get your facts correct especially when Obama and the Democrats in Congress blame the Republicans and long gone President Bush.
TODAY, PRESIDENT OBAMA WAS IN PITTSBURG, WHAT THE HECK IS HE DOING IN PITTSBURG. Bashing Bush and the Republicans for leaving him with a mess.just a reminder that unemployment is 9.9%,that's after 18 months on the job.
Yes, get your facts straight. 18 months on the job and Republicans act like the debacle that was Bush's 8 years didn't happen. lone gone President Bush? Still fixing his economy, still fighting his illegal war in Iraq, still making up for his mistakes.
By the way in that 18 months, stock market is high, economy is improving, and the country is better. Not bad.
bgpappa I cannot help but feel a sense of Irony here as they signed off on another permit for offshore drilling yesteray June 2nd. Granted it was shallow water but not a very smart decision. Obamas MMA manager who quit last week used to work for BP. The title of your hub is misleading to say the least. I do not blame Obama for the spill, however you cannot put the blame on Republicans either.
Toney,
I agree, you can't blame either, or you can blame both equally. But the point of the hub wasn't to place blame but to point out hypocracy, which is even more annoying.
The title ensures someone will read this, hopefully.
Thanks for reading.
Your ignorance of how our economy runs is staggering. Oil is the primary source of energy for the world. It is the single most important piece of the economic puzzle. It would be idiotic and suicidal to turn our interests in another direction. We are decades away (if ever) from finding another alternative to drive our energy needs the way that oil does. ...and oil companies are not the enemy. THey provide a service and make a profit as any company does. There are no wide profit margins or outrageous mark ups on the oil products they provide. Their huge profits are for one reason.....the vast amounts of oil they produce because of the great world-wide demand for it.
Again, I don't dispute what you say,
But we need to move away from oil. If your free market system is so great, won't it simply adjust to a change. Oil companies are not the enemy unless you are the environment or the consumer. Yes, we need oil now, but who is thinking about tomorrow. Almost everyone agrees it is in our national security to move away from foreign oil. Our own reserves can't last forever and the damage it does will slowly outweigh the benefit. When should we start, at the very last moment, or should we be forward thinking and visionary.
bgpappa....you again miss the whole point. Free market systems always adjust to change. The market has adjusted over the years as we went from wind powered boats, to steam, to present day engines fueled by oil. What you are suggesting is to change before the invention of a better product. Oil is king and this is a fact. If the market produces, somewhere down the road, a better solution, the market will certainly embrace it. The problem is when special interest groups, (mainly spurred on by liberals) tries to interrupt market forces with their desires. A good example is ethanol. They tried to sell us that it lessens our dependence on oil. This product is expensive, and much less efficient than oil and is a horrible substitute for our present fuel source. But it did make Al Gore rich.
horrible substitute? because oil is that great. Until we rid the economy of the oil cartel we will never be free. The techology is there, all that is needed is the will to want to do it.
bgpappa
you said
Eight years of incompetentcy in all areas caused the economic
...............................
Bull ......2007 and 2008 dems in charge of congress = 2 years
2009 and 2010 dems super majority of congress and President Obama = 1.5 years
Check it out! The truth will set you free if just try to have an open mind and balance out truth from propaganda.
You can do it, I know you can.
THE RECESSION STARTED IN NOV OF 2008, IT TOOK THE THEMS ONLY 1 YEAR TO MESS THINGS UP !
Was the nation in better shape in 2006 than it is today ????
YOU BETCHA!
Wow, if you think the recession started in November 2008 then you are truly lost. Banks had no cash reserves as far back as 2004. Housing prices began to drop in 2006. Amazing how people forget what actually happened because they are blinded by hate. By the way, the two years of dem control were a joke. Nobody did anything. That is a knock on Bush and the Dems equally.
The nation was better off in 2000. Remember peace and prosperity. Bush takes over, destorys the surplus, 911 happens (not Bush's fault), we go to war in in Afghanistan, then for some reason invade Iraq. More tax cuts.
The underlying problem is the wars costs too much and nobody wants to pay for it.
The technology is there for what???? YOu do not explain the great solution or alternative for oil! It is because there is not one. It is all hot air and nonsense. THe world economy is built on oil....like it or not. Someday, maybe decades into the future, it will be different. But for now and the foreseeable future, we must produce oil products and we must do it here at home to lessen our dependence on foreign countries. And also, like it or not, the country was in good economic condition for most of Bush presidency. He certainly could have done a better job on the government spending side. Economy took a fall in maybe late 2007 and more probably in 2008.
Not sure what to say. Good layout and use of multiple pictures. Good title selection and playing to the audience with popular opinion of that same audience.
As far as content and accurate information, not sure what I can say… Calling this a “republican oil slick” and readers saying “saying to stop all drilling… or, stop using oil and move on now”? Please , with respect, you and many of your readers are more clueless than the main stream media. Again, with respect you have No idea what went on before and during the disastrous drill attempt or how offshore drilling works. All I can say in your defense is that even Sara Palin and some other right wingers were materially wrong on this one earlier on..
I wrote a hub on this subject that shares the real facts from folks working inside BP during the drilling and now afterward’s during the cap and clean attempts…I doubt you or many of your readers would be interested. Best not to let reality based facts interrupt this anyway.
What scares me is that I wonder if I’m as off on subjects or topics that I’m not intimately familiar with…
Jman,
You off subject. The point of the hub was the Republican response and the hypocracy found in it. The facts I layed out where about the response and trying to tie this to another Katrina. Instead of coming here to promote your own stuff, please read the article.
Thanks for the comment.
bgpappa, in 1999 the country was going into a recession,never once did Bush complain of what he inherited from Clinton.Bush got us out of the recession,united the country after 911 and went after our enemies with the approval of both Democrats and Republicans.
Thanks to bush the war in Iraq will be a victory unless Obama screws that up too.
I am confused on how you misread and interpret what is happening today in the news.I suggest you try to start watching C-Span and Fox News,( CNN,ABC,CBS,NBC and some other cable channels are pure propaganda )and read the business sections of the daily papers for a clearer picture.
By the way,what are you drinking this week.
Wow, inherited a surplus and peace and you are comparing it to 2008. And actually, Bush did whine about it years later. You are happy about the war in Iraq; why did we go there again? I watch Fox News, CNN and read the Wall Street Journal and the San Francisco Chronicle as well as read numerous articles online. And if you don't think that most of Fox News (excluding Shephard Smith and some others in this) is nothing but right wing spin, then you are seriously deluded.
My interest in commenting was to see if any rational, intelligent, loyal American thought still exists with the liberal types that frequent hubpages. Answer appears to be “No”. Focusing on a political response by some republicans is of little interest. Reading your reader comments about the need to stop all offshore drilling or to immediately rely only on non fossil fuels is both scary and pathetic. As stated, you have no idea how the real world works. Please do the country liberal commenter’s do the country you seem to despise so much a favor for once and don’t vote. If instead get a good education and responsible job in the real world, earn and invest your own money then chances are you will feel exactly the way I do. Good Luck
You say Bush inherited peace....but this is mostly wrong. Al Queda was at war with us and in serious planning of 09/11 right under Clinton's nose. I know it is convenient for liberals to ignore the incompetence of Clinton to deal with Bin Laden during his years. Clinton was too busy chasing women and basking in his moments of fame to deal with the real problems facing our nation. It is sad...but true.
Oh...and if you were impressed with the surplus when Bush took office....dont forget to thank Newt Gingrich and the republican congress who battled Clinton and forced him into moderation from his leftist ways.
Wow, you guys are nothing but blind right wing screamers. Truth and facts have no need to apply. Thats fine, history will be the final decider.
bgpappa
''Thats fine, history will be the final decider''.
''you guys are nothing but blind right wing screamers''.
check this out!
President Barak Obama’s tough remarks on solving off shore drilling legislation needs to start in Washington first.. The government is not the solution but part of the problems to what has happened with the BP accident and oil spill that has created a disaster on the gulf states.
The government's permit approvals needs to consider the safety as to where oil companies are allowed to drill.
BP, prior to the accident was to receive a safety award for their operation performance One must ask a question as to why BP was forced to drill in waters so deep that divers are unable to make repairs if an accident should occur under the water.
Safety factors ( government regulations ) were disregarded in the location of the drilling rig. The drill was drilling in 5,000 feet of water, far deeper than any diver could go, should there be a problem. The accident happened when safety equipment failed causing the disaster. Congress’s repeated failure to allow permits in shallower waters must assume some blame when blame will be established. Divers could have made the necessary repairs in days if they were drilling at shallower depths.
Take Note
1994 Dan Manion sets current record for a deep dive on air at 509 feet (155 m). Manion reports he was almost completely incapacitated by narcosis and has no recollection of time at depth.
In Alaska oil can be drilled for at depths of 100 to 200 feet if Congress would release the permits. Picture the floor of a 2 car garage, drop a quarter on the floor. The size of the quarter is the area in Anwar that can be drilled to provide the oil we need. Obama setting a moratorium to stop oil drilling will cause the loss of 30,000 jobs and cause a gas shortage.Obama and Congress need to reconsider their positions first before any actions are taken. The politicians say '' we must get us off the need for foreign oil '' they lie!
Our government's stupidity and political issues are equally to blame for the catastrophe.
It's not hard to understand if you can get beyond the propaganda and have a full deck with an ace UP your sleeve.
If companies that were drilling were competent, as all the right says they are, then what's the problem with deep oil drilling.
I have a question, a serious one and as some of you seem knowledgeable on this topic I will ask it here. Is it true that the oil that is gushing into the Coast wasn't even meant for American consumers? Read somewhere that the oil was going to end up in China? Just wondering if any of you knew and wondering what, if any, legal effect of the ultimate consumer would be.
Even though this is a horrible tragedy for the environment, I find at least some comfort in the joy I'm getting watching these "small government conservatives" begging for federal assistance. It's so easy to rail against the government when times are good, but then cry for help the second things go bad. It's also incredibly hypocritical and pathetic. What we need to understand is that people rely on the government, so the whole no government argument is rather weak. What we need is an efficient and effective government that people can trust.
I think all would agree that the government could be more effective and efficient than it is today.
Thanks for the comment.
wow.. I think I get it. It is not that you believe in any of the issues at all. Clearly you don't understand them anyway. it looks like you are just trying to generate traffic on your hub to make a few $$. Touche-You are a true right wing business person after all. I am embarrassed, I guess I have liberal leanings and actually truly care and believe in the real issues and people.
Jman, not sure where that is coming from. But so you know, I am a businessman, but not a right wing one. I write because I enjoy it and sometimes want to voice my opinion. However, I don't do this for money as I make more than enough. That being said, unlike many who have posted comments here, I don't voice opinions because I see them on Hannity or O'Reily, but because I believe what I say. Oh, and I deeply believe in treating those with whom I disagree with respect and welcome all opinions.
Thanks for the comment.
bgpappa
''because I see them on Hannity or O'Reily''
Those two are one sided sometimes. Check out Cavuto on daily at Fox,Fox Saturday am business shows and C-Span for unbiased debate with democrat and conservative guests.
There is quite some differences in what the mainstream media and the press is reporting.Looking forward to your open FAIR AND BALANCED opinions in the future.
MAYBE a conversion to the truth? Glen Beck too?
I watch Neil daily, he is on right after Shepard Smith, whom I really like. Neil has a right wing fiscal bias but unlike Hannity and O'Reily puts both sides of the debate on the air and actually treats liberals who appear on his show with respect. Generally, a serious debate.
As for the media, we both agree that it is currently not doing the job Americans need it to do. Many stories that are news are simply not being told and gossip and celebrity are being disguised as news. When did the news become entertainment? News isn't supposed to fun, it supposed to educate people and all networks, left, right and middle have lost this ability. Most newspapers have done the same although there are still a few good ones left.
Thanks for reading.
bgpappa, your logical thought is lacking. YOU stated that if oil companies are competent, then what is the problem with deep water oil drilling???? This is like saying if a driver is competent at a speed of 55 MPH or even 65 MPH, why would he not be a competent driver at 150 MPH?? Your lack of logical reasoning is probably why you lean to liberal ideas.
So you don't have an answer?
I didnt think you had a response....and the answer is.....there are certainly circumstances that make a task riskier and more challenging. So, if you liberals are looking for the safer oil exploration, it resides closer to shore in shallow water and on shore. Class dismissed.
Sure, you can't think class dismissed but the reason they are drilling deeper is because they can't do it right near the shore either. BP took the risk, have no problem with that, now they have to suffer the consequences.
BP, or any other oil company is not permitted close to shore with oil drilling. BP did take the risk and they are suffering the consequences. However, America will suffer the consequences if we dont get our oil production up to speed with demand. It is ignorant to say there are other solutions for our energy needs. There are not and oil is entrenched into the global economy and is the main player for at least the next 50 years. These are just the plain and simple facts. America has plenty of oil resources, so we better get after it and get it out of the ground, or else we will be even more at the mercy of other countries for our oil needs.
Perhpas I have more faith in American ingenuity and creativity. If we made alternative energy a national priority, and for real not just lip service, it won't take fifty years. We put a man on the moon is less than a decade. Unfortunetly, our leaders, and I mean democrats, don't have the guts to take on the entrenched power of oil. So all I can do is call for it here, which won't do much but bring on insults from the likes of you.
You have it all wrong. WHy in the world would you want to take on "oil"??? What would that mean. A more logical process would be to work with "oil" to ensure our significant oil demands are met and that our economy remains strong. It is a typical liberal response to "beat up" on big corporations and not even think (or understand) that it would be detrimental to our well being.
Oh yea...bgpappa....in case you dont understand capitalism.....we have built in incentives to make alternative energy a priority. It is called the free market. If anyone can invent the next great fuel source or the next great source of power that does not require oil....this person or company will become the richest, most powerful entity on the planet. Is that enough incentive for you???? The problem is,...even with this big carrot out there, there is no real progress in this area. It is because oil trumps everything out there bar none.
You know, your comments are rude and filled with nothing but Republican talking points. Do you have any original thoughts of your own on the matter?
When a sole commodity control the whole of the economy and a way of life, it is reasonable to want to check that power. And yes, the free market is an incentive, but when that one commodity has the power to stop progress, that power wants to be checked.
The sad part is that big oil doesn't care about you, or me, or the gulf, or the environment. They only care about profits, so stop trying to humanize corporations. That is their nature and generally I don't have a problem with that except when they are so powerful that their profits become a national priority.
By the way, the insults can stop unless you are incapble of having a logical debate. Otherwise, keep your comments to yourself. I wonder where your anger about the President and anyone who shows any support for anything he does comes from. I don't agree with the President on most things because he is not really a liberal, too moderate for my taste. But this hatred, where does it come from?
bgpappa- You are lacking in some information....so I will update you. The oil industry is the most heavily regulated industry out there. To say they only care about profits is idiotic. They have hundreds of thousands of employees and their families that they must care about. They also have a public to satisfy. If you want to see an uncaring and dehumanized entity...try the beauracracy of the federal government. I am not sure I have insulted, but I do know that the truth hurts. There is no hatred, but I do have a low tolerance for uninformed and illogical thoughts. Also, I do think liberalism is destroying this country so I do get a little hot under the collar when I encounter those who are dragging us into trouble.
Obama has stopped the oil drilling in the Gulf for 6 months. Big mistake. It is a pure political move to give the illusion that he is doing something. All he accomplished is to put thousands of people out work and put many companies in a bind, not to mention the gulf states who rely on the revenues from these companies and their employees. OBAMA CARES?????
You are truly a lost cause and cannot accept tthe fact that the country in the past thirty years has been destroyed by the right wing economics and corporate greed. You will never accept it and that is fine.
You are wrong my friend. The country's demise is solely at the hands of the liberal and progressive movement that has destroyed our values, penalized our hard work, sold our souls to government control over our lives, and the list goes on and on.
This is certainly a terrible tragedy. I do not think it is Obama's fault, nor did I think Katrina was Bush's fault. The same people though who take umbrage at any blame directed at Obama for the now 57 days of horror, were quick not only to blame Bush for a hurricane, but to call him a racist. These doors should swing both ways.
James,
I agree with you that this tradegy is not the fault of any American President, Republican or Democrat, it is BP, Haliburton or whoever is responsible for the defective oil rig. The point of this hub was simply to point the spin engaged by some Republicans to try to call this Obama's Katrina immediatley after it happened. These are the same people who totally support big oil and who for eight years did nothing to enforce regulations. Not their fault it happened either, just pointing out the hypocracy. And yes, hypocracy is a democratic desease as well and one that I am very tired of in our political debate.
As always James, you voice is welcome here.
As always the Goverment is sucking the ass of Oil Companies when are we going to stop the Oil companies from running this country
Vic, I agree with you to a point, if we are going to hold them accountable, hold them accountable, for everything.
Thanks for the comment.
Vic- you are foolish if you do not realize the importance of oil companies to find, recover, and refine the oil products that run 99% of the global economy. It is ignorance that demonizes this industry. They are vital to the very existence that we enjoy today. Now, they do need to follow the laws of the land in conducting their business, but oil is here to stay and a lack of understanding of this fact will only hurt us as we move forward.
Thanks for the comment.
A rare moment of sanity and reason during this oil spill fiasco. A federal judge rules against the Obama decision to suspend oil drilling in the gulf for 6 months. I am sure Obama will appeal, which is a shame. The coastal economy and the nations oil needs are at stake.
Thanks for the comment.
Uninvited Writer Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago
Amen, they would try to blame Obama if a meteor hit the earth...