BP America: What Are They Doing Now?

It almost seems like a joke, at first, to see BP America asking folks to "like" them on Facebook. But that's what's happening. It's not that BP America is trying to be "everyone's buddy," like the shamed school bully who's just been caught shoving around a handicapped classmate. They're offering contact information, exposing all the details like an open book, and they're asking the world for ideas to solve the problem.

Let's gripe at BP America later.
In the words of the lovely Nancy Canfield:"I don't care whose fault it is at this point. I don't care how it happened at this point. There are years and years ahead to play the games...direct their attention to cleaning up the freakin' oil."

She's right. While all-too-many people are parroting a sort of "righteous anger," and while El Presidente talks about finding "ass to kick," we're all missing the point. We need to fix the problem first. Then, we can play all the little reindeer games. Surprisingly, it's BP America themselves who are showing the mature response to the gulf oil spill. They've admitted their error. They're working on a solution. And, most responsible of all, they're asking for ideas.

Look at BP America's response thus far.
It was a wise old man I once befriended who taught me that "to be humble is not to walk around groveling, with a hang-dog look on your face, thinking lowly of yourself. Humility is the learned ability to know your strengths, so as to be ready when others need you, and to admit your own weaknesses, so you know when to ask for help from others." BP America is showing the noble quality of true humility.

The company isn't passing the buck (that's Congress's job). They're not pointing blame (Sarah Palin has that covered). They're not throwing ridiculously immature temper tantrums (PETA and Greenpeace do plenty). They're asking for constructive ideas. Now is not the time for BS. There are some very creative and intelligent minds in this world. One feasible idea is all that's needed.

How to share your ideas with BP America:
You can reach them easily enough on Facebook. A search for "BP America" will take visitors straight to their page. For those folks who wish not to sign up for Facebook, the company can be contacted by phone in the US at (281) 366-5511 if someone has an idea to share. Folks wanting to reach the environmental hotline, and volunteers wanting to help, can call (866) 448-5816.

They've even opened up a wildlife distress hotline at (866) 557-1401. Those wishing to offer BP America their professional services, or to offer the use of their boat in the effort can call (281) 366-5511. Legitimate claims can be made against BP America at (800) 440-0858 or visit www.bp.com/claims.

To be clear, these numbers are in the US. Long distance charges may apply for domestic dialers. International callers will incur additional fees from their telephone service provider.

No BP America employee or volunteer should be expected to tolerate verbal abuse, threats, or any sort of ad hominem attacks. So, if the idea is to call with anything other than something constructive, be warned. Such behavior will likely not be tolerated. But, for those who do have suggestions or whom just wish to pitch in to the efforts, please contact BP America right away.

Source:
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