On April 20th, an explosion on a oil rig platform had made headlines. It has been said that this oil spill could be one of the worse in history with 5,000 barrels of crude spilling into the ocean each day. It is apparent, everyone is looking to how the president will respond and act to this unfortnate disaster. It was stated that, "the leaking oil is not only an ecological catastrophe but a potential political hazard." A month ago Obama wanted to expand offshore drilling. Now, as a gesture, Obama assures us that no new drilling will be allowed unless they have the "safeguards" to do so. However, he still went on to say that, "I continue to believe that the domestic oil production is an important part of our overall strategy for energy security." Seriously? Is this really the time to worry about profit, when our Gulf is filled with oil the size of Puerto Rico? Obama went to Louisiana to get "a firsthand assessment of the enviromental disaster." As the looks of it, he trying to do damage control, but isn't it a little too late? The U.S. is always trying to solve a problem after the fact. They should have been more careful and used "safeguards" to prevent a problem of this degree, before it even happens (not saying it works that easily). It is so sad the effects of this spill, it's destroying our earth and the creatures that live on it. I think all the attention is now directed towards Obama and his administration. I think this is stupid, it shouldn't be about Obama, it should be about a solution in fixing the oil spill. I think his administration knows that people are looking to him to solve the problem, so how he deals with this, will either make him or break him. In the articles I read in Time and CNN, both mention that Obama says it's BP's responsibilty in fixing the problem. Which I agree with because BP is at fault for this, so they are held responsible. But, they are basically putting it all on BP's shoulders, but when it comes down to it, it will be on Obama's shoulder, what happens at the end. Unfortnately, that's what happens when you take office, national disasters are your problem. I hope this doesn't do too much damage, but it appears it already has. Sad.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
How will government handle the oil spill?
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Whenever there is a disaster, natural or otherwise, the American people look to its leader and rightfully so. Domestic oil production and energy security is not the same as worrying about profit. Importing any product into the United States takes profits away from the American pocketbook. Obviously, the company cannot go into an area that is leaking that amount of crude oil and attempt to set up offshore drills. The president is saying even though now is not the time, the time is still now. If the president had not gone into the disaster area for a firsthand look that decision would undoubtedly have been criticized and seen as uncaring. President Obama does not have to do damage control for a situation that he did not personally cause. BP owns the equipment, safety should have been their top priority. However, when safety becomes an issue, the nation screams for more government oversight and the blame blasts through the media. I cannot ascertain you are blaming president or not. The blog says they should have been more careful. I can only assume they represent BP and not the president. I do not believe how the president deals with this natural disaster will make him or break him. It was also said that the health care reform would make him or break him and yet he garnered the support he needed. It would appear that every major event makes or breaks a president and some even serve a second term. I am glad you agree with the president's Time and CNN statements indicating BP is responsible. But then there appears to be a switch again and the blame is back on the president's shoulders. It is not the president's fault, however it is his job to hold those who are at fault accountable and to ensure to the best of his administration's ability that it does not happen again. This story is not just about profits or fault, it is ultimately about safety because someone's father, brother, husband, friend, did not return home from an already hazardous day at work.
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