Sept. 2011 UPDATE

Tar balls have washed up in Mobile, AL recently, but most of the oil has been cleaned up (land and water). Still, the people need to be compensated properly.

First Post

In an earlier blog, I first wanted a nice debate on the issue of taxing the big oil companies. One of those companies that fall under the category "big," is British Petroleum or BP. On April 20th, 2010, one of their rigs exploded, killing many workers who were on it. Afterward, everyone realized that lots of oil was gushing out of the well.

BP has come under fire for its response to the crisis including the amount of oil coming out, their inability to cap the leak and their choice of oil dispersant. Furthermore, Congressional investigations led to the discovery of faulty/ failed blowout preventors and bad decisions including the typical "sacrifice-of-safety-for-profit" attitude that leads to these disasters.

So, my biggest concerns:
1. Where's the accountability? What decisions are being made and by whom? Pres. Obama was elected because of promises of increased regulation and accountability of oil companies. Why is it so hard to monitor the company with regards to clean-up?
2. Who will pay for the clean-up? Will BP increase the cost of gas? Will taxing oil companies cause them to increase the price of gas?

I call on American citizens to hold BP accountable not only by posting to this blog but also by calling your members of Congress, etc. I invite contributions to this blog from all parties including the Coast Guard, BP executives, members of Congress, average citizens, the EPA, etc.

There is one rule, no attacking the credibility of any of these comments. I want a clean, nice debate. For instance, no accusing BP of not doing its job. They are working to clean up the spill. No playing of the race card will be tolerated. I don't want anyone calling anyone else a racist for disagreeing w/ Pres. Obama. I want a discussion, not a shouting match.

Happy Posting!