Conservative-Democrat

The BP oil rig disaster is now in its fifth week with estimates as late as September to solve and did you happen to notice that Hurricane season is about to begin.  This disaster is a case where there is plenty of blame to go around,  however let us not point too many fingers yet.  There are lots of technical reasons why the oil is still spilling at an alarming and frankly unknown number of gallons per day.  The valves are damaged at the source, the pipes are leaking is several places, and the underground damage is as of yet only being theorized.  As I understand it the pressure is tremendous and were this on the surface there are all sorts of options, however being on the gulf floor makes things very difficult and much more dangerous.

The relief wells are being placed to siphon off the pressure and allow underwater crews to do their work, but those wells are weeks/months away from being completed.  This solution is historically very reliable yet this is uncharted territory.

The cause for the disaster are one thing, the fixing of the problem lies squarely on two groups.  That’s right I said TWO parties.  The oil industry with BP at the forefront AND the community of nations with the United States of America at the forefront.  These entities are the only ones with the resources to fix this problem and I for one would like to see them earn the respect and reliance they have demanded from us.  Oil companies have earned nice profits for the risks they take and the dependency on energy that exists.  Nations, some more than others, have also benefited nicely on our dependency on energy.

I have no doubt that in the aftermath of this disaster the oil industry will take it in the mouth, and well they should.  That being said I am also confident that government with accept NO responsibilities for the lack of response.  How do the “Gas” taxes get spent?  Where is FEMA?  Perhaps they have a plan for this.  Perhaps the administration needs to spend more time understanding how to respond to disasters.

I am disappointed in the oil industry who did not adequately prepare for this scenario.  I am glad to see that they have owned up to the problem publicly (and are undoubtedly doing CYA behind the scenes).

I am disappointed at how long it took for the administration to respond.  There seems to have been a desire to blame and use this incident for political gain than stepping in an solving the problem.  That being said, I think they are now committing all the resources they can.

As a conservative, as an American, I feel for the businesses that are going to be hit hard.  The fisherman and the tourism owners and employees who are the innocent victims.  I also foresee the increase in costs associated with new safety procedures and regulations.  Those costs will not be assumed by the government or the oil companies they will be paid for by the consumer.  By us.  It is regrettable and probably inevitable, but have no doubts the the government will use this as an opportunity to gain more control.

Perhaps a sensible discussion about alternate energies is appropriate in a future blog.

-Michael

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