The news media in general have all been reporting that the people are fed up with our elected officials and intend to do something about it in the November elections. One poll by USA Today in the May 28 edition shows 60% of those polled would vote for some one who has never been in congress before. One person polled said, "We are just going to clean house."
It seems obvious to this writer that some people just never learn. Changing elected officials will not change a thing until money and the special interest groups are taken out of the equation. Changing elected officials have already proven that. The tea party people and others who are really interested in change should direct their anger and actions to getting money out of the political arena instead. So called tough talk about voting elected officials out of office is about as effective as Bush's tough talk about terror prior to 9/11. The voting public has a right to vote for who they choose but they also have a duty to be responsible.
The special interest groups with their wealth who control our elected officials laugh all the way to the bank when the voters vent their anger at politicians instead of the special interest groups. That says it all.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
U.S. Representative Steve Scalise: Another Embarrassing Moment
Steve Scalise whose oral pronouncements seem to indicate he is a student of Newt Gingrich and the far right is at it again. In an editorial in USA Today dated May 28 he uses the whole editorial to condemn President Obama's action concerning the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. His ditto head mentality of playing the blame game fits right in with the conservative record of zero accomplishments.
Scalise was part of the Bush administration in Washington that gave the green light to the oil and gas industry to drill baby drill without oversight. After the worst oil spill in the Gulf, Scalise says he is concerned for Louisiana's ecosystems, environment and economy. In Scalise's whole editorial not once does he mention BP or its responsibility for the leak and the resulting damage to the Louisiana coast, ecosystems, environment or the economy. What we see is the typical anti-American ideology Scalise and many other republicans preach.
This is how Scalise ends his editorial. There is no place in this crisis for inaction or partisan politics. We want action, not finger pointing from our commander in chief. That last paragraph actually describes hypocrite Scalise himself and what his editorial was all about. Its pretty hard to think of any other Louisiana representative who served in the U.S. House that was so incompetent. That says it all.
Scalise was part of the Bush administration in Washington that gave the green light to the oil and gas industry to drill baby drill without oversight. After the worst oil spill in the Gulf, Scalise says he is concerned for Louisiana's ecosystems, environment and economy. In Scalise's whole editorial not once does he mention BP or its responsibility for the leak and the resulting damage to the Louisiana coast, ecosystems, environment or the economy. What we see is the typical anti-American ideology Scalise and many other republicans preach.
This is how Scalise ends his editorial. There is no place in this crisis for inaction or partisan politics. We want action, not finger pointing from our commander in chief. That last paragraph actually describes hypocrite Scalise himself and what his editorial was all about. Its pretty hard to think of any other Louisiana representative who served in the U.S. House that was so incompetent. That says it all.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The BP Spill And The Blame Game
British Petroleum and the oil industry's lack of an emergency plan to deal with the explosion and release of oil in the waters of the Gulf and their inability to clean up the oil before it reaches shore has brought out the worst in the news media, governor Jindal and parish officials in Louisiana. Even members of congress who represent Louisiana have joined the chorus.
That chorus is now the blame game they are playing and their target is the federal government and President Obama. Jindal and other Louisiana officials have dropped the ball concerning BP's responsibility and their own responsibility to protect the Louisiana coast and are geared in full mode to blame Washington. During hurricane Katrina, a natural disaster, Louisiana officials sandbaged many of our coastal areas before Katrina came ashore and did not seek approval from the federal government to do so. But now they want to pass the buck to Washington before they do anything.
A lot of the focus has been on Grand Isle. Well Jindal does not need permission to sand bag Grand Isle's beaches to stop oil from washing up. He can give the order himself. Those elected officials who play the blame game along with the news media have no character or courage. The blame game is another reminder how America is loosing its leadership qualities and why very little is done to make the quality of life a little better for the people.
Those people in Louisiana who are leading the charge in the blame game will cozy back up to the same oil industry who created the BP mess after it is all over and done with. They will continue to be attached to the industry's massive campaign contributions and do the oil companies bidding. Some of Louisiana political leaders are already leading the charge to lift the ban on drilling in shallow waters in the Gulf that was the subject of a previous commentary just a few days ago. BP can't stop the leak and oil from spilling in the Gulf on this well yet these elected officials are ready to commit to the same mistake in shallow waters which are closer to our shore.
The news media and those who are a part of it have failed to serve the people and have become political in nature themselves. Their failure to put the responsibility where it belongs on BP is just another gash in their stated purpose of bringing the American people the facts. The cable TV networks are the worst. They have so much air time on their hands to fill, very little of their pronouncements arenews worthy. Talk radio is right behind.
One can only hope there are enough good people who can think for themselves and be rational about what is going on. Leaders who play the blame game need to be held in check and accountable for their actions or lack thereof and rational people are the only ones who can do that.
That chorus is now the blame game they are playing and their target is the federal government and President Obama. Jindal and other Louisiana officials have dropped the ball concerning BP's responsibility and their own responsibility to protect the Louisiana coast and are geared in full mode to blame Washington. During hurricane Katrina, a natural disaster, Louisiana officials sandbaged many of our coastal areas before Katrina came ashore and did not seek approval from the federal government to do so. But now they want to pass the buck to Washington before they do anything.
A lot of the focus has been on Grand Isle. Well Jindal does not need permission to sand bag Grand Isle's beaches to stop oil from washing up. He can give the order himself. Those elected officials who play the blame game along with the news media have no character or courage. The blame game is another reminder how America is loosing its leadership qualities and why very little is done to make the quality of life a little better for the people.
Those people in Louisiana who are leading the charge in the blame game will cozy back up to the same oil industry who created the BP mess after it is all over and done with. They will continue to be attached to the industry's massive campaign contributions and do the oil companies bidding. Some of Louisiana political leaders are already leading the charge to lift the ban on drilling in shallow waters in the Gulf that was the subject of a previous commentary just a few days ago. BP can't stop the leak and oil from spilling in the Gulf on this well yet these elected officials are ready to commit to the same mistake in shallow waters which are closer to our shore.
The news media and those who are a part of it have failed to serve the people and have become political in nature themselves. Their failure to put the responsibility where it belongs on BP is just another gash in their stated purpose of bringing the American people the facts. The cable TV networks are the worst. They have so much air time on their hands to fill, very little of their pronouncements arenews worthy. Talk radio is right behind.
One can only hope there are enough good people who can think for themselves and be rational about what is going on. Leaders who play the blame game need to be held in check and accountable for their actions or lack thereof and rational people are the only ones who can do that.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The BP Oil Spill: Another First For Politidose
This writer has several commentaries concerning the spill since the rig explosion on April 20 in the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting oil spill in the waters of the Gulf. It was pointed out that the real story no one wanted to talk about, especially the news media, was the fact that BP and the oil industry had no emergency plan or equipment on hand to timely stop the leaking oil into the Gulf and the removal of the spilled oil into the waters even though offshore drilling has been going on for over 40 years.
Finally, now comes two stories published in the Times Picayune of May 23 that deals with this issue. One by Bob Marshall in the editorial section and one by Rebecca Mowbray in the Money section. Rebecca pointed out that Lisa Jackson, administrator of the United States EPA told congress, the ability to get this oil out of the ground has far surpassed our ability to respond to the worst-case scenario. Also in a sub heading were the following remarks. Deepwater Horizon oil spill reveals an industry ill-prepared to deal with a "black swan" event.
Mr. Marshall wrote about what causes contributed to the accident and named several things that have been pointed out in "politidose" over the past two years many times. Marshall also reported, we always knew accidents would happen but what this event teaches us is the industry has no effective way to prevent a mishap from becoming a catastrophe.
The news media, the governor and parish officials should be talking about the failure of BP and the oil industry in general for not having a plan and equipment to deal with the situation. Instead we see governor Jindal and parish officials blaming the federal government for a slow response. This accident was man made by BP, the drilling company involved and a service company. They actually alluded to that themselves when they blamed each other for the blow out and explosion while testifying before congress. This was no natural disaster and BP has the burden to live up to their responsibility. The oil industry has drilled in deeper waters than 5000 feet so BP should have been prepared for anything.
Bob Marshall and Rebecca Mowbray took the news media where it should have been long ago with their articles and the news media in general should keep up the pressure on BP. If they don't the oil industry will continue to get a free ride at the expense of the environment and the people. We know oil company operations are responsible for the major destruction of our wet lands and coastal erosion and that they do not pay their fair share to restore those area's. Our elected officials do not have the courage to faced the problem.
As former governor David Treen said long ago, "It is time to get well with CWEL.
Finally, now comes two stories published in the Times Picayune of May 23 that deals with this issue. One by Bob Marshall in the editorial section and one by Rebecca Mowbray in the Money section. Rebecca pointed out that Lisa Jackson, administrator of the United States EPA told congress, the ability to get this oil out of the ground has far surpassed our ability to respond to the worst-case scenario. Also in a sub heading were the following remarks. Deepwater Horizon oil spill reveals an industry ill-prepared to deal with a "black swan" event.
Mr. Marshall wrote about what causes contributed to the accident and named several things that have been pointed out in "politidose" over the past two years many times. Marshall also reported, we always knew accidents would happen but what this event teaches us is the industry has no effective way to prevent a mishap from becoming a catastrophe.
The news media, the governor and parish officials should be talking about the failure of BP and the oil industry in general for not having a plan and equipment to deal with the situation. Instead we see governor Jindal and parish officials blaming the federal government for a slow response. This accident was man made by BP, the drilling company involved and a service company. They actually alluded to that themselves when they blamed each other for the blow out and explosion while testifying before congress. This was no natural disaster and BP has the burden to live up to their responsibility. The oil industry has drilled in deeper waters than 5000 feet so BP should have been prepared for anything.
Bob Marshall and Rebecca Mowbray took the news media where it should have been long ago with their articles and the news media in general should keep up the pressure on BP. If they don't the oil industry will continue to get a free ride at the expense of the environment and the people. We know oil company operations are responsible for the major destruction of our wet lands and coastal erosion and that they do not pay their fair share to restore those area's. Our elected officials do not have the courage to faced the problem.
As former governor David Treen said long ago, "It is time to get well with CWEL.
Shallow Water Drilling Off Louisiana's Coast.
In a report dated 5/21/10 in the Times Picayune by Jonathan Tilove, oil industry representatives would like the moratorium lifted on drilling in shallow waters of the Gulf that was placed by the Obama administration to new offshore drilling until investigators find out what went wrong with the BP well explosion. According to the report, Louisiana U.S. Senators Landrieu and Vitter, and U.S. representatives Melancon and Scalise support the industry move.
They pointed out that shallow water drilling is safe for several reasons but no one pointed out that any explosion and leak would be much closer to the Louisiana shore line and spilled oil in the water of the Gulf would hit our shores much quicker than the BP spill. Also not pointed out was the fact that the BP spill happened over a month ago and the oil industry still has no equipment or method available to timely clean up the spilled water in the Gulf or stop the leaking of oil.
Scalise was quoted as saying, Secretary Salazar needs to understand the stark difference between deep water drilling and shallow water drilling. The problem is that Scalise and the oil industry who push deep water drilling as being safe never took into consideration those stark difference we are finding out in the BP spill. Scalise also took the position that the moratorium would result in thousands more jobs and billions more dollars being shipped to middle east countries that don't like us. Scalise needs a dose of truth serum. A record number of jobs and billions of dollars were sent to middle east countries on Bush's watch while Scalise was in congress with the record price of $150/barrel oil and $4.00/gallon gasoline.
One would think our delegation in congress would be pushing the oil industry to have a workable plan and equipment available to timely clean up any leaked oil in the waters of the Gulf and a way to cap off any leak timely. That does not exist today, even in shallow waters.
They pointed out that shallow water drilling is safe for several reasons but no one pointed out that any explosion and leak would be much closer to the Louisiana shore line and spilled oil in the water of the Gulf would hit our shores much quicker than the BP spill. Also not pointed out was the fact that the BP spill happened over a month ago and the oil industry still has no equipment or method available to timely clean up the spilled water in the Gulf or stop the leaking of oil.
Scalise was quoted as saying, Secretary Salazar needs to understand the stark difference between deep water drilling and shallow water drilling. The problem is that Scalise and the oil industry who push deep water drilling as being safe never took into consideration those stark difference we are finding out in the BP spill. Scalise also took the position that the moratorium would result in thousands more jobs and billions more dollars being shipped to middle east countries that don't like us. Scalise needs a dose of truth serum. A record number of jobs and billions of dollars were sent to middle east countries on Bush's watch while Scalise was in congress with the record price of $150/barrel oil and $4.00/gallon gasoline.
One would think our delegation in congress would be pushing the oil industry to have a workable plan and equipment available to timely clean up any leaked oil in the waters of the Gulf and a way to cap off any leak timely. That does not exist today, even in shallow waters.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
British Petroleum and The Oil Industry
As of this writing oil has been leaking into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for the past 30 days from the BP well that exploded. BP does not know how many barrels of oil is leaking into the Gulf each day and has yet to clean up and collect the oil that is in the water. That spill is still a danger to the coast, industries along the coast and related industries and BP still has no effective response. In fact they are asking outsiders for suggestions. That may be good PR for them but with 40 plus years of offshore drilling the oil industry is flying blind.
BP and the suppliers involved in drilling the well all passed the buck of blame on each other when their company spokesperson testified before Congress. Typical for an industry who has no shame and want to dodge their liability. Wealth is what turns the oil industry on and any challenge to that wealth because of liability does not sit well with the industry.
The BP spill and its aftermath proved beyond any doubt BP was not prepared for what happened and one can guess neither was the oil industry as a whole. If they were, they would have rushed equipment and expertise to deal with the matter timely. The state of Louisiana and the federal government needs to think this thing through before they allow any new offshore drilling in state or federal waters. The states and federal government need to find out how this story ends in terms of cost to life, the destruction to property, the environment, the business community and a way of life.
Jonathan Tilove reported in the Times Picayune that the $75 million liability cap on oil spill damages is being revisited by Congress and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez introduced legislation that would raise that figure to $10 billion. U.S. Senator James Inhofe blocked Menendez effort to bring the bill to the floor. President Obama urged Senate Republicans to stop playing special interest politics and join in a bipartisan effort to protect taxpayers and demand accountability from the oil companies.
Tilove also reported U.S. Senator David Vitter has offered a counter proposal that would set the liability cap at $150 million or a company's last year profits, which ever is greater. This writer's understanding is that the spill has already cost BP over $400 million so Vitter's $150 million cap is a crude joke on the people. As for using a company's last years profit to determine liability that is a mega cruel joke on the people since businesses can come up with all kinds of expenses to reduce profits.
President Obama, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and the Congress have an opportunity and the responsibility to make sure the BP and the oil industry is held accountable for this spill and any future ones with clear regulations and laws that get the job done for the people. Time will tell if all three live up to their responsibility.
BP and the suppliers involved in drilling the well all passed the buck of blame on each other when their company spokesperson testified before Congress. Typical for an industry who has no shame and want to dodge their liability. Wealth is what turns the oil industry on and any challenge to that wealth because of liability does not sit well with the industry.
The BP spill and its aftermath proved beyond any doubt BP was not prepared for what happened and one can guess neither was the oil industry as a whole. If they were, they would have rushed equipment and expertise to deal with the matter timely. The state of Louisiana and the federal government needs to think this thing through before they allow any new offshore drilling in state or federal waters. The states and federal government need to find out how this story ends in terms of cost to life, the destruction to property, the environment, the business community and a way of life.
Jonathan Tilove reported in the Times Picayune that the $75 million liability cap on oil spill damages is being revisited by Congress and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez introduced legislation that would raise that figure to $10 billion. U.S. Senator James Inhofe blocked Menendez effort to bring the bill to the floor. President Obama urged Senate Republicans to stop playing special interest politics and join in a bipartisan effort to protect taxpayers and demand accountability from the oil companies.
Tilove also reported U.S. Senator David Vitter has offered a counter proposal that would set the liability cap at $150 million or a company's last year profits, which ever is greater. This writer's understanding is that the spill has already cost BP over $400 million so Vitter's $150 million cap is a crude joke on the people. As for using a company's last years profit to determine liability that is a mega cruel joke on the people since businesses can come up with all kinds of expenses to reduce profits.
President Obama, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and the Congress have an opportunity and the responsibility to make sure the BP and the oil industry is held accountable for this spill and any future ones with clear regulations and laws that get the job done for the people. Time will tell if all three live up to their responsibility.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates And Spending Cuts
In a speech at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Secretary Gates said he was looking for at lease $10 billion in annual savings by paring of the military bureaucracy according to a report out of the Associated Press. Gates said he had come to the conclusion about the urgent need for big cuts in light of the recession.
If the readers of Gates comment are confused, they have reason to be. Mr. Gates has been Secretary of Defense for almost 4 years and has presided over increased defense spending ever since. He supported the big expenditures for the continued war in Iraq and his actions has contributed to the doubling of Defense spending since Bush took office. Defense spending is now over $600 billion a year and was over $300 billion a year when Bush took office. There has been no cold war opponent for some time and no other super power but the war machine drives the debate. What an unnecessary price to pay to fight terrorism.
President Eisenhower was right about the military industrial complex that is the driving force behind this massive expenditure. If Mr. Gates was sincere he would show those people the door. To those that pay attention, the U.S. can secure its safety at a far less cost. The problem is Mr. Gates failure to bite the bullet.
It is also telling that Mr. Gates said one reason for wanting to cut $10 billion is the recession. The recession has actually come to an end. If Mr. Gates was sincere, he would have been cutting spending while the recession was in full swing. Where is the leadership?
If the readers of Gates comment are confused, they have reason to be. Mr. Gates has been Secretary of Defense for almost 4 years and has presided over increased defense spending ever since. He supported the big expenditures for the continued war in Iraq and his actions has contributed to the doubling of Defense spending since Bush took office. Defense spending is now over $600 billion a year and was over $300 billion a year when Bush took office. There has been no cold war opponent for some time and no other super power but the war machine drives the debate. What an unnecessary price to pay to fight terrorism.
President Eisenhower was right about the military industrial complex that is the driving force behind this massive expenditure. If Mr. Gates was sincere he would show those people the door. To those that pay attention, the U.S. can secure its safety at a far less cost. The problem is Mr. Gates failure to bite the bullet.
It is also telling that Mr. Gates said one reason for wanting to cut $10 billion is the recession. The recession has actually come to an end. If Mr. Gates was sincere, he would have been cutting spending while the recession was in full swing. Where is the leadership?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Another Good Jobs Report For April
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the economy added 290,000 jobs in April, the largest monthly total in four years. The job gains were widespread. Unemployment rose from 9.7% in March to 9.9% in April, mainly because a flood of 805,000 job seekers, feeling better about their prospects resumed their searches for work.
The Labor Department sketched out a picture of a healing jobs market, growing consumer confidence and an economy picking up momentum per the Associated Press. President Obama welcomed the good news but said there is still much to be done to put all Americans back to work and that he would continue to be active in doing so. A stark contrast from the previous administration.
The President and Congress need to continue to answer the call on the economy and do what is necessary to continue economic expansion and put the country in a position of a sustained economy and job creation. They should also see to it that what ever actions they believe have to be taken will have the effect of reducing the federal deficit and debt. There is still a precedent for doing that and it is called the Clinton Administration.
History can indeed repeat itself for the better if we learn from the past. The past is still the key to the future.
The Labor Department sketched out a picture of a healing jobs market, growing consumer confidence and an economy picking up momentum per the Associated Press. President Obama welcomed the good news but said there is still much to be done to put all Americans back to work and that he would continue to be active in doing so. A stark contrast from the previous administration.
The President and Congress need to continue to answer the call on the economy and do what is necessary to continue economic expansion and put the country in a position of a sustained economy and job creation. They should also see to it that what ever actions they believe have to be taken will have the effect of reducing the federal deficit and debt. There is still a precedent for doing that and it is called the Clinton Administration.
History can indeed repeat itself for the better if we learn from the past. The past is still the key to the future.
Monday, May 10, 2010
It Is Time For The Louisiana Legislature To Act On CWEL
The on going oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico by British Petroleum should open the eyes of any sane person, especially our elected officials. Coupled with the dire situation of Louisiana's budget woes and the states cost to mobilize to protect our shore line and coastal area's now is the time for the legislature to introduce CWEL, Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy.
The late former Governor Dave Treen was in favor of CWEL and wrote an article concerning it in the Times Picayune dated 3/9/09. CWEL contains a levy on the transport of oil and gas across Louisiana's coastal zone, which is an area federally recognized as needing protection from coastal erosion. According to the former Governor, the impact on Louisiana would be negligible since 85% of the consumers are out of state. The passage of CWEL would raise substantial revenue for the state. Mr. Treen's full article will be shown below in Note l.
Governor Treen was a conservative republican but did not wear his conservatism on his sleeve as the present conservatives do. He did not govern by ideology and was not afraid to meet challenges with action and realities that work. The present governor Jindal and the state legislature would do well to take up the issue of CWEL. It has been established beyond a doubt that oil and gas pipe lines and the canals that are dug for oil and gas exploration and production are the primary cause of coastal erosion and the loss of wet lands. And as of the present, the oil and gas industry does not pay its fair share to clean up their mess and reverse the erosion. The enactment of CWEL would change that. It would also help the state on any future oil spills where the state has to mobilize to protect the states interest.
The Times Picayune also carried an article about a pipeline volume levy dated 9/19/09 by J. Ronald Eldridge to a Senate committee September 18, 2009. Mr. Eldridge pointed out how much revenue might be produced. Some have described the levy as a pure tax, an excise tax or a fee and that is supposed to back everyone away. Politicians like to declare no new taxes and then get into the average citizens pocket in 100 different ways by other actions and all the while oil companies are given tax breaks and special treatment while the coastal area's are eroding and wet lands are disappearing because of their operations. It is up to the governor of Louisiana to step up to his responsibility and have the oil and gas industry pay their fare share.
As former governor Treen said in his article, It is time to get well with CWEL.
Note l:
Tax Transport Of Oil and Gas
With all the anguish about budget cuts the state will have to make, including massive cuts to education and health care, it is time to get well with CWEL.
CWEL, the Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy, could be enacted by the Legislature at the coming session. The levy is on the transport of oil and gas across Louisiana's Coastal Zone, which is an area federally recognized as needing protection from coastal erosion.
The levy is not on the oil and gas. It is a levy on the movement of oil and gas across the coastal zone. This levy would also apply to oil and gas produced in Louisiana, which is transported across the coastal zone.
If the levy is passed on to the consumers of oil and gas, the impact on Louisiana will be negligible, since 85 percent of the consumers are out of state.
With gas at approximately $4 per MCF and oil at $50 or more per barrel, a few pennies on each would produce substantial revenue with the impact on Louisiana hardly noticeable.
End to letters to the editor by former Governor David Treen
Note 2: By Governor Treen's letter to the editors, he showed just how far out front he was on the subject matter long ago. Where have all our leaders gone?
The late former Governor Dave Treen was in favor of CWEL and wrote an article concerning it in the Times Picayune dated 3/9/09. CWEL contains a levy on the transport of oil and gas across Louisiana's coastal zone, which is an area federally recognized as needing protection from coastal erosion. According to the former Governor, the impact on Louisiana would be negligible since 85% of the consumers are out of state. The passage of CWEL would raise substantial revenue for the state. Mr. Treen's full article will be shown below in Note l.
Governor Treen was a conservative republican but did not wear his conservatism on his sleeve as the present conservatives do. He did not govern by ideology and was not afraid to meet challenges with action and realities that work. The present governor Jindal and the state legislature would do well to take up the issue of CWEL. It has been established beyond a doubt that oil and gas pipe lines and the canals that are dug for oil and gas exploration and production are the primary cause of coastal erosion and the loss of wet lands. And as of the present, the oil and gas industry does not pay its fair share to clean up their mess and reverse the erosion. The enactment of CWEL would change that. It would also help the state on any future oil spills where the state has to mobilize to protect the states interest.
The Times Picayune also carried an article about a pipeline volume levy dated 9/19/09 by J. Ronald Eldridge to a Senate committee September 18, 2009. Mr. Eldridge pointed out how much revenue might be produced. Some have described the levy as a pure tax, an excise tax or a fee and that is supposed to back everyone away. Politicians like to declare no new taxes and then get into the average citizens pocket in 100 different ways by other actions and all the while oil companies are given tax breaks and special treatment while the coastal area's are eroding and wet lands are disappearing because of their operations. It is up to the governor of Louisiana to step up to his responsibility and have the oil and gas industry pay their fare share.
As former governor Treen said in his article, It is time to get well with CWEL.
Note l:
Tax Transport Of Oil and Gas
With all the anguish about budget cuts the state will have to make, including massive cuts to education and health care, it is time to get well with CWEL.
CWEL, the Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy, could be enacted by the Legislature at the coming session. The levy is on the transport of oil and gas across Louisiana's Coastal Zone, which is an area federally recognized as needing protection from coastal erosion.
The levy is not on the oil and gas. It is a levy on the movement of oil and gas across the coastal zone. This levy would also apply to oil and gas produced in Louisiana, which is transported across the coastal zone.
If the levy is passed on to the consumers of oil and gas, the impact on Louisiana will be negligible, since 85 percent of the consumers are out of state.
With gas at approximately $4 per MCF and oil at $50 or more per barrel, a few pennies on each would produce substantial revenue with the impact on Louisiana hardly noticeable.
End to letters to the editor by former Governor David Treen
Note 2: By Governor Treen's letter to the editors, he showed just how far out front he was on the subject matter long ago. Where have all our leaders gone?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Untold Story of British Petroleum's Oil Spill In The Gulf of Mexico
The reports of the oil spill in the Gulf by the news media, printed, radio and television have been on going since the fatal explosion on April 20. Talk radio has covered the spill relentlessly. However, the news media in general have failed to devote the proper coverage or time to the real story. The story that the Oil Industry and BP have no timely plan or equipment in place available on short notice to deal with such an accident and stop leaking oil before it gets out of control.
Offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico has been going on for over 40 years and yet we see with the BP spill no timely coordinated effort to deal with the situation. Eighteen days after the explosion oil is still leaking from the well into the waters of the Gulf and that spill has yet to be cleaned up. No equipment is available to shut off two of the remaining leaking spots so coffer dams had to be built which will be used to try and prevent more oil from leaking into the Gulf. A BP spokesman said they are not sure the dams would work. How do you like that for responsibility?
According to reports BP earned over $5 billion in profits for the first quarter. The major oil companies, including BP have enjoyed record profits over the last several years, yet they still lobby congress to short cut safety regulations. Those record profits that go toward record bonuses for the CEO's and executives, should go instead into area's of improved safety and a workable timely plan and equipment to deal with such accidents. That workable equipment should be available on a moments notice. Equipment should not have to be built after the fact with a disclaimer that it may not work. The oil companies with their vast experience and knowledge in offshore drilling know every conceivable way an accident can happen and should have the means to deal with it timely.
That is the real story and one the news media, federal and state governments should be talking about. No new offshore drilling should be allowed until the oil industry comes up with a timely workable plan and workable equipment available on short notice when necessary to deal with the situations. The states and federal governments should make sure that happens before the next oil spill.
Offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico has been going on for over 40 years and yet we see with the BP spill no timely coordinated effort to deal with the situation. Eighteen days after the explosion oil is still leaking from the well into the waters of the Gulf and that spill has yet to be cleaned up. No equipment is available to shut off two of the remaining leaking spots so coffer dams had to be built which will be used to try and prevent more oil from leaking into the Gulf. A BP spokesman said they are not sure the dams would work. How do you like that for responsibility?
According to reports BP earned over $5 billion in profits for the first quarter. The major oil companies, including BP have enjoyed record profits over the last several years, yet they still lobby congress to short cut safety regulations. Those record profits that go toward record bonuses for the CEO's and executives, should go instead into area's of improved safety and a workable timely plan and equipment to deal with such accidents. That workable equipment should be available on a moments notice. Equipment should not have to be built after the fact with a disclaimer that it may not work. The oil companies with their vast experience and knowledge in offshore drilling know every conceivable way an accident can happen and should have the means to deal with it timely.
That is the real story and one the news media, federal and state governments should be talking about. No new offshore drilling should be allowed until the oil industry comes up with a timely workable plan and workable equipment available on short notice when necessary to deal with the situations. The states and federal governments should make sure that happens before the next oil spill.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A New Era For The City of New Orleans and Its People
Mayor Mitch Landrieu named six deputy Mayors to his cabinet who will be charged with the responsibility of making certain the functions they will oversee and manage work for the betterment of the city and its people. Landrieu said these deputy Mayors will be held accountable. Mayors of some other large cities have used this process successfully.
Mayor Landrieu also announced his selection of a new police chief to run a police department that has had problems for many years. Landrieju kept his campaign promise to look out side the department for his choice, and hired the current police chief of Nashville, Tenn., and former New Orleans assistant superintendent Ronal Serpas. In a story by the Times Picayune of May 6, it was reported that Landrieu in a letter to the U.S. Justice Department asked that body to evaluate the NOPD, a step that could lead to an agreement imposing some federal oversight of several key areas of the police department. A key move by Landrieu because of an ongoing federal investigation of the department. The Mayor wants to stay on top of things.
Mayor Landrieu start is a stark difference between his hands on policy and the former Nagin policy of being aloof. The people will see the difference compared to other political leaders. Landrieu is a politician who truly believes in public service and making government work for the people. He will not be idle and that is good for the city and its people.
The City of New Orleans now has a chance to shake off 8 previous years of lost opportunity. A new Mayor and three new council member on a city council who finally started showing courage last year on the issues. During his inaugural address, Landrieu showed he understood history when he said, Every civilization that has failed to learn the lessons of the past and failed to pay its dues properly owed has lost its place in history and will be swamped by times onward march. We cannot make that mistake. We must change course. Landrieu understands what has been pointed out here many times in "politidose" that the key to the future is the past.
It is this writers belief Mayor Landrieu's vision of One Team, One Fight, One Voice and One City will carry New Orleans and its people in a new direction and era that everyone will be proud of.
Mayor Landrieu also announced his selection of a new police chief to run a police department that has had problems for many years. Landrieju kept his campaign promise to look out side the department for his choice, and hired the current police chief of Nashville, Tenn., and former New Orleans assistant superintendent Ronal Serpas. In a story by the Times Picayune of May 6, it was reported that Landrieu in a letter to the U.S. Justice Department asked that body to evaluate the NOPD, a step that could lead to an agreement imposing some federal oversight of several key areas of the police department. A key move by Landrieu because of an ongoing federal investigation of the department. The Mayor wants to stay on top of things.
Mayor Landrieu start is a stark difference between his hands on policy and the former Nagin policy of being aloof. The people will see the difference compared to other political leaders. Landrieu is a politician who truly believes in public service and making government work for the people. He will not be idle and that is good for the city and its people.
The City of New Orleans now has a chance to shake off 8 previous years of lost opportunity. A new Mayor and three new council member on a city council who finally started showing courage last year on the issues. During his inaugural address, Landrieu showed he understood history when he said, Every civilization that has failed to learn the lessons of the past and failed to pay its dues properly owed has lost its place in history and will be swamped by times onward march. We cannot make that mistake. We must change course. Landrieu understands what has been pointed out here many times in "politidose" that the key to the future is the past.
It is this writers belief Mayor Landrieu's vision of One Team, One Fight, One Voice and One City will carry New Orleans and its people in a new direction and era that everyone will be proud of.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Latest Oil Spill In The Gulf Of Mexico
The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig leased by British Petroleum in the Gulf of Mexico which exploded, collapsed and is leaking crude oil in the waters of the Gulf has dominated the news the last several days. The potential threat of this spill is still not clear according to officials as of this writing. The coast line, beaches, wildlife, the seafood industry and a way of life could all possibly be affected big time if the spill can not be controlled or contained.
To make matters worse some people are already predicting that this spill will be Obama's Katrina. Never mind that Katrina was a major happening spawned by mother nature and the spill was man made. There are those who still want to see the President fail and be blamed for what ever happens in the Gulf. So far British Petroleum's people said it was an equipment failure but the truth will not be know until a full investigation is completed. Human failure is obviously a possibility.
What happened in the Gulf is a reminder that drilling in the Gulf or on land for oil and gas is still a hazardous operation and that tragic consequences can happen despite all the claims of new advanced safe drilling technology and training. Accidents are caused by human error and faulty equipment.
This latest spill has identified that after over 40 years of drilling in the Gulf and on land the Oil and Gas Industry still have not developed a timely system or operation to answer the call. That is pathetic and should be unacceptable. Their attitude seems to be, we will just mosey along until the states and federal governments step in. The oil companies do not like being liable for anything they do.
Future drilling in the Gulf should be put on hold until the oil and gas industry comes up with a workable plan that answers the call timely when such accidents happen. They should also have to demonstrate they have the equipment and personnel available on hand to answer the call at any time and do the necessary job.
In order to secure our country's energy needs until alternate energy comes on line, the federal government and state governments should insist that the oil and gas industry make known how much acreage they own, lease or rent and have yet to drill on and why. They should also have to disclose how many wells they have shut in that could be producing and how much of that production is being shut in. That is the only way to find out the real story about what is going on in the industry and the only way for future planning. I believe if the above answers were truly known, both governments and the people would be shocked to find out how much oil and gas is being with held from the market and the potential of new production that drilling on those lands being held out of service would produce. It is past time to find out.
This offshore spill should make state government aware that the same problem could happen with on shore drilling and make sure precautions and a workable response are in place.
To make matters worse some people are already predicting that this spill will be Obama's Katrina. Never mind that Katrina was a major happening spawned by mother nature and the spill was man made. There are those who still want to see the President fail and be blamed for what ever happens in the Gulf. So far British Petroleum's people said it was an equipment failure but the truth will not be know until a full investigation is completed. Human failure is obviously a possibility.
What happened in the Gulf is a reminder that drilling in the Gulf or on land for oil and gas is still a hazardous operation and that tragic consequences can happen despite all the claims of new advanced safe drilling technology and training. Accidents are caused by human error and faulty equipment.
This latest spill has identified that after over 40 years of drilling in the Gulf and on land the Oil and Gas Industry still have not developed a timely system or operation to answer the call. That is pathetic and should be unacceptable. Their attitude seems to be, we will just mosey along until the states and federal governments step in. The oil companies do not like being liable for anything they do.
Future drilling in the Gulf should be put on hold until the oil and gas industry comes up with a workable plan that answers the call timely when such accidents happen. They should also have to demonstrate they have the equipment and personnel available on hand to answer the call at any time and do the necessary job.
In order to secure our country's energy needs until alternate energy comes on line, the federal government and state governments should insist that the oil and gas industry make known how much acreage they own, lease or rent and have yet to drill on and why. They should also have to disclose how many wells they have shut in that could be producing and how much of that production is being shut in. That is the only way to find out the real story about what is going on in the industry and the only way for future planning. I believe if the above answers were truly known, both governments and the people would be shocked to find out how much oil and gas is being with held from the market and the potential of new production that drilling on those lands being held out of service would produce. It is past time to find out.
This offshore spill should make state government aware that the same problem could happen with on shore drilling and make sure precautions and a workable response are in place.
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