A Lack Of Wisdom: The Root Of The Problem

The BP rig explosion, the resulting oil leak and spillage into the waters of the Gulf is not just a Louisiana problem. According to the location map in the paper each day, BP's well site is located almost directly south of the Mississippi-Alabama state line. The site is closer to Louisiana's land only because South Louisiana extends out into the Gulf some 100 plus miles farther than Mississippi and Alabama.

Mother nature (wind direction, tides, Gulf current and etc.) will determine where most of the oil finally lands. This past week, because of mother nature most of the oil slick has been directly south of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle. It is possible for those three states to wind up with more oil on their land than Louisiana, so the spill is not just a Louisiana problem like our elected officials would like us to believe.

The governor's of the four gulf states are looking out for their own interest and will naturally be in conflict with the Presidents responsibility of looking out for the country's best interest. Louisiana and Mississippi governors do not support the Presidents 6 month moratorium. The governors of Alabama and Florida have not taken a hard position on the subject. All four governors support more offshore federal sharing.

Louisiana officials always talk about the risk of offshore drilling because most takes place offshore Louisiana. Louisiana claims it just wants its fair share for its contribution of taking such risks. However the most harm done to our wetlands, marshes and coastal erosion comes from onshore drilling in South Louisiana, yet our elected officials in La., have refused to address the issue even though onshore drilling is regulated by the state. There is no wisdom, courage or leadership among our elected officials in La. to confront the problems caused by onshore drilling. Instead they want to pass the buck to the federal government. Every one knows they want no part of big bad federal government except when they do not have the character to stand up and be counted.

Governor Jindal and other elected officials who continue to play the blame game do not need to possess ESP to know that BP and the oil industry in general are laughing out loud with the blame being put on the federal government instead of where it rightfully belongs, on BP and the industry. Those political contributions are doing just what they are supposed to do, influence our elected officials. And that says it all.