EDITOR:
The British Petroleum Gulf oil catastrophe was, in and of itself, a major problem to minimize and solve without the subsequent non-intervention and intervention of our millileader Obama. At first he showed little concern, exemplified by refusing the aid of 13 countries within three days of the spill.
He would have had to waive the Jones Act to permit their assistance. The Jones Act prohibits foreign vessels from moving about freely in our waters. In this instance it prevents them from helping.
Bush waived the Jones Act one day after Katrina. There are now 17 countries willing to help after two months, and Obama still hasn't waived the Jones Act. One can only conclude that he doesn't want the help. Obama doffed his obligatory hat to the union bosses with no regard for the welfare of the environment, or the survival of the people in our Gulf coast states. He's not cool, he is cold.
Bungle one?
During subsequent weeks Obama assured us that BP was responsible for the catastrophe and would be held liable. BP had already accepted responsibility and promised compensation; therefore, the congressional buffoonery and the White House (Chicago) "shakedown" were unnecessary and embarrassing.
BP was clearly committed to stopping the oil hemorrhage which was to everyone's advantage. While BP expertise was critical, there was no oversight by American petroleum engineers or specialists in related fields. Foreign help had been denied previously. Obama was seen daily on TV at fundraisers, playing golf, shooting baskets, at WH parties, at vacation sites but not on Gulf shores with the people awaiting an environmental and economic disaster. There was no presidential presence where it counted.
Bungle two?
In the last couple of weeks Obama has done photo-op "show and tells" on the Gulf which have satisfied the mainstream media, other believers and people with IQs under their hat size. The natives, however, are justifiably furious and vocal. To calm the waters Obama decreed a six-month moratorium on offshore drilling, contradicting the advice given by the experts he had chosen. This additional blow will cost the people tens of thousands of jobs along with the loss of 33 existing rigs (his abominable decree was countermanded by a temporary restraining order and is subject to appeal).
Bungle three?
At some point one must question whether this reputed intellectual giant is in fact bungling or acting deliberately.
Dick Witzig
Gardnerville
