I’m No Expert…

BP engineers said Saturday that the “top kill” technique had failed and, after consultation with government officials, they had decided to move on to another strategy. Repairing this disaster is no easy feat and we can be sure the best minds in the country are working on it. But that doesn’t mean it that there is actually a fix out there.

First, BP tried to repair a blowout preventer with submarine robots. That failed. Then its efforts to cap the well with a containment dome failed when it became clogged with a frothy mix of frigid water and gas. BP then tried using a hose to gather escaping oil but managed to catch only a fraction of the escaping oil. In the meantime, BP has started work on two relief wells, but has said that it will not be completed until August — further contributing to what is already the worst oil spill in United States history.

At a rate of 12,000-19,000 barrels of oil a day (504,000-798,000 gallons a day), the spill has already dumped 18 million – 40 millions gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Assuming the spill continues until the relief wells are completed that would add an additional 1,104,000- 1,748,000 barrels of oil or 46,368,000 – 73,416,000 gallons (for grand total of 64,368,000-113,416,000 gallons).

But what if the relief wells don’t stop the leak? What then? How can we count on that working in light of the current failures. Is anyone preparing for this? Can we prepare for this? Will the Gulf of Mexico become a wasteland void of life? The Gulf fishing industry crushed? I’m no expert so no answers here. But what is surprising are the lack of questions and discussion that it’s time to make a serious effort to move away from this oil-based society.

The argument that moving to renewable energy would cost too much pales in comparison to the cost of staying on oil.

Tags: Economy, Energy, National Issues, Politics, Renewable energy by Jay Stuart
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Texas Gov. Rick Perry offered a stern warning against halting oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of a massive oil leak, and he raised the question of whether the explosion was an “act of God.”

While it’s known that the Governor is a staunch supporter of the oil industry, I actually agree with him, but probably for different reasons. I think god is sending us a message to stop this dangerous drilling. We ignored previous signs such as the Valdez accident, middle-east blackmail, and the havoc oil prices wreaked on our economy.

God has given us other safe and bountiful sources of energy; it’s time we listen and use them.

Tags: Economy, Energy, National Issues by Jay Stuart
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“We can’t expect to solve our problems if all we do is tear each other down. You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it. You can question somebody’s views and their judgment without questioning their motives or their patriotism.”

—President Obama

Obviously Rand Paul, Republican Senate nominee from Kentucky, doesn’t agree! What a shock that is! In response to the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar insisting that BP be held accountable for what is becoming the worst oil spill disaster in history, Rand Paul called Salazar’s comments “Un-American.” So I guess if you have a position different from Rand Paul or the Tea Party you are “Un-American.” He touts himself and the Tea Party as being different from GOPers but it sounds a lot like the Bush administration rhetoric.

What more, it seems Rand Paul’s Criticism of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (now a foundation of  United States ideals) as too broad and should not apply to private businesses, is OK! Ata boy Randy, at least you’re honest!

Tags: National Issues, Opinion, Politics by Jay Stuart
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I don’t often read Presidential speeches, in fact I have only read one, in its entirely before. But after reading John P. Avalon’s column at CNN.com I decided to read Obama’s University of Michigan commencement speech. It’s worth a read, it’s inspiring and very “Presidential”

President Obama’s University of Michigan commencement speech

Tags: National Issues, Politics by Jay Stuart
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From CNN:

It’s not just a complaint in relationships — it’s a fair characterization of the state of our national political debate. The bond between fellow American citizens is being weakened by screaming and suspicion.

That’s why President Obama’s commencement address at the University of Michigan this past weekend is worth contemplating.

It was a call for civility rooted in American history; a challenge to the bitter and predictable partisanship that is afflicting our country. It was a timely reminder that the success of the American experiment depends on every generation being able to reason together in the pursuit of solving our common problems.

Right now, even a speech by the president of the United States is considered suspect by committed partisans — actually listening is not as satisfying as reinforcing a play-to-the-base political narrative.

___________________________

“We can’t expect to solve our problems if all we do is tear each other down. You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it. You can question somebody’s views and their judgment without questioning their motives or their patriotism.”

—President Obama

Read the entire editorial and/or Obama’s original address

Tags: National Issues, Opinion by Jay Stuart
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