BP Oil Spill

I plead ignorance. I assumed, which I realize is a dangerous thing to do - that the deep sea oil drillers had all the research, experimentation, technology and ability to handle a drilling disaster of any magnitude they undertook and that they were tightly regulated. It seems obvious now, that not only the U.S. but also other countries of the world have allowed the oil companies to poke holes in the earth and create environmental disasters they are not capable of handling. It is too bad that the environmental catastrophe in the gulf had to occur before regulation will take place. Much like the WTC Buildings had to go down before the world took notice of Al Quida.

We can be sure, oil companies will be required by law and regulation to handle (plugging holes or some method) before they can drill. We can be sure that these oil companies will have that second hole dug to before they start pumping from the first. The cozy relationship with the regulators and oil companies is ended. As citizens of the earth, we must watch our government. It will cost us more at the pump but that is the price we have to pay.

Finally, where is England in all of this? This is a British company? And this is not President Obama's fault - it is the years of fighting safety regulations, primarily by republicans. Where is "drill, baby drill, Sarah Palin now? Hiding on her porch in Wasilla? And this is who the republicans wanted one heart beat away from the presidency?

Right now, all we have is hope, hope that this oil leak will not last 40 years or however long it takes to deplete the oil field under the ocean. I have always been a political independent - but this one belongs squarely in the the hands of the republicans who want only de-regulation. There is a place for governments of the world and government in our lives. Government being involved to prevent such disasters.