The BP oil spill is currently advancing across the Gulf, poisoning everything that comes in contact with it. A forecast by the National Center for Atmospheric Research shows that there is a possibility that the massive body of oil will reach Florida's coast, and then move upwards to the Eastern seaboard. Wherever the oil leads, it will cause endless devastation. President Obama has done nothing because the man is a bullshit puppet. If that wasn't clear before this disaster, it's absolutely clear now.
Despite gaining independence from British rule over two centuries ago, America's coastlines and wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico are besieged today by a British oil company. American citizens in Louisiana are aware of this painful fact. They're also aware that the Federal government has insensitively downplayed the whole disaster from the start, protected BP's image, and continued to reject the popular suggestion that forceful government action needs to be taken in the Gulf Coast, including holding BP criminally responsible.
Unfortunately for Obama, the country is getting restless. Some citizens have started a protest campaign called "Seize BP." Others, including U.S. senator Nelson, have advocated for a military-led clean up. Also there are well-respected scientists and oil industry insiders who say that the BP owned poison well needs to be blown up. But that idea isn't flying well with BP headquarters, whose new logo might as well be a Skull & Bones, because the company is treating Americans like hostages in their own ship. And the company's new name should be below professional just cause it fits these bastards perfectly.
But I don't want to be too negative, there have been some good consequences from the disaster. It has made the government relevant again. Some congressmen and senators have woken up and gotten into gear because of the oil spill, and are actually starting to do what they were supposed to be doing a long time ago, you know, represent the interests of the public. Congressman Ed Markey has done the most so far. He has submitted new legislation into the Congress called the "Oil SoS Fund" which would force the oil industry to inject its own capital into new research for safety technology and oil-spill solutions.
Still, the near future does not look well, not for BP, not for Obama, and certainly not for the fishermen, and everybody else along the coast of Louisiana who have witnessed their lives, and coastlines, get ripped apart again and again. The black wave in the sea will get larger and deadlier in the coming weeks and months, before the full extent of the disaster can be analyzed. But there are steps that can be taken now, as many others have suggested, that will benefit everybody who matters and produce new changes in the oil and government industry that are surely needed.
If President Obama and the Federal government fail to act correctly and urgently, then the oil spill curse will not be BP's alone. DC will also receive blame. And then both parties will deservedly get swept aside by the forces of history.
Sophie B. Hawkins:
"Anyone would have expected our President, once a clear opponent of offshore drilling, to seize this opportunity to educate Americans on the dire consequences for our addiction to oil. Now would be the moment in history when we have a chance to see the true impact of fossil fuel extraction. I think as Americans we must end our dependency not only on oil, but on our government. Now is the time for each American to be responsible for our environment, no matter what political stripes we wear. We must raise our expectations of ourselves and our representatives, we must ask the questions, listen to the answers and decide whether we are moving in a positive direction for our planet and our country."
