by Cathy Moran

Created on: July 16, 2010

First of all, BP is not totally to blame for the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.  Certainly using risky technology is wrong, but there are other issues involved here, such as our dependence on and our demand for cheap oil.  And the failure of the MMS Agency that was supposed to oversee off shore drilling.  What we all need to understand is that United States citizens do not support a government that really regulates industry.  This "failure of government, is government acting the way American people have said they want it to act", says Sarah Elkind, political Historian at San Diego State University, which we show over and over at the ballot box.

Secondly, President Obama, despite all the misleading rhetoric on talk shows, in newspaper columns and editorials, blogs and emails, has been very involved in the whole crisis from the beginning.   

Thirdly, BP is doing something about the crisis.  They are using every available technology to cap the well.  They have also, as of May 8, 2010, organized a task force of more than 11,000 workers - company employees, contractors and volunteers - to respond to potential impacts to wildlife and prepare to assist with the clean up of any oil that reaches shore along the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the spill from the MC 252 well.  Volunteers and the other workers are key resources in BP's efforts to mitigate damage to the environment and clean up the shoreline of those states, parishes, counties and municipalities that have the potential to be affected by the incident.  The number to contact to schedule or learn about the training is +1 866-647-2338.

Lastly, we as citizens of the United States, need to come together to solve this problem.  First, we need to take responsibility for the part we play in this disaster and support BP and our President every way we can.  Next, we should start conserving our precious natural resources by using the technologies available today (wind, solar, hybrid cars, public transportation, bicycles, etc).  And finally, we need to stop placing blame, stop criticizing and get to work. 

Let us show the world how we can come together as a nation of hard workers and solve the problems that face us.  We have shown time and again how resourceful and committed we are.  I have confidence in our ability to solve this problem and any problem that faces our world and all those who call it home. 

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