How's everybody doing?!

[janx]

:hi:

I was away from DU for some time--the environment was too toxic--but now I'm refreshed and back, at least for awhile! In about a month I'll be doing nothing but work!

In the meantime...how does everyone feel about this administration's response to the gusher in the Gulf of Mexico? Conservation/environment is something very close to my heart, so I've been watching that daily. I haven't been diving in decades, but I know what it's like under the sea, and for those of you who have not had that experience, I want to tell you that it is profoundly spiritual.

What say you guys? How have you been?

:hi:

[Cha]

1. Hi janxie! I took note..

I missed seeing you..figured you were busy.

The environment is dear to me too like so many of us..and especially the Ocean!

The worst case scenario happened and the Obama admin is working like I would expect them to in getting it the crisis under control.

Glad you came here to say hi..that's one of the nice things about the BOG.

:hi:janx..buddy since the Dean Days.

[janx]

2. There have been some criticisms of the administration,

but the administration has kicked NOAA into high gear, and I've always respected NOAA. Here is a nature.com blog that I followed for awhile:

http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond/earth_environment_ecology/oil_spill_science/

That mission is over, but I'm wondering whether the journalist will accompany the NOAA efforts on future missions...I sure hope so.

BP's public relations and crisis communication tactics are ridiculous, but the last time that McKay testified before Congress, he was a bit more forthcoming with information. He looked ragged.

This gusher has consumed my interest for a couple of weeks. I've been heartbroken. I have a brother who lives in Palm Beach Gardens who has done graduate work in marine biology, and he is thoroughly pissed off. I'll let you everyone know if/when he has anything to report about the Loop Current and any effects in that area.

[Cha]

4. I really feel bad for

those people down on the gulf who have been affected by BP's oil spill. It's especially tragic that it could have been prevented with some regulation.

I do want to know about the Loop Current's status in the future.

Protests in St Pete, Florida(where I've loved to go on this side of the country)

<snip>

"Those protesters join at least 16 other rallies organized by the nationwide coalition ANSWER — Act Now to Stop War and End Racism. Other cities include Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Washington, D.C., New York City and Los Angeles.

The groups also will call for stronger drilling regulations, said Marianne Huber, St. Pete for Peace member.

BP should stop shifting blame in congressional hearings, she said, and pay for the oil spill's "insurmountable devastation" to Gulf wetlands and fisheries.

"If they don't do that with an open wallet, then yes," she said, "we want the government to step in and force them to pay the cleanup costs."


http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/st-petersburg-protest-today-in-nationwide-effort-targeting-bp-over-oil/1094440?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tampabaycom%2Fblogs%2Fbreakingnews+%28Breaking+News+%7C+tampabay.com%29

Thanks for the info on NOAA and the link to the blog, janx.

[janx]

6. I want to point out a thread I posted in LBN today.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4388906


According to someone familiar with corporate law, BP can call the shots so long as they are deemed to be acting in the public interest. If they are incapable of doing so, THEN they can be kicked to the side, so to speak. I'm wondering now if this letter is not part of an effort to get BP kicked to the curb.

Edited to add:

See post #8 in this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8370194#8370249

[FrenchieCat]

3. The situation is heartbreaking.......

and I just pray that it will make folks consider our environment way more
when developing Green energy policies. :(

Politically, Obama's announcement on including drilling into the mix in order
to get some movement on the energy bill was terrible timing,
but if it makes him rethink that in a long run, it is of some solace.

As far as how it has been handled, I'm not in the know enough to render judgement on this,
as everything is easier said than done, it appears, especially in this tragedy.

[janx]

5. Hi Frenchie!

Your avatar still cracks me up!

Terrible timing--yes indeed. The part that amazes most people is the fact that BP had not "done the science" before drilling in deep water. In addition, the MMS wasn't doing its job.

I posted the following link in the videos section about a week and a half ago:

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill- Wildlife Tribute (from Curacao)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIcVBioJ2Zg