BP Oil Spill

People are boycotting BP, blaming them for the mess in the Gulf of Mexico and the oil disaster there that is sure to last for decades and generations ahead. But whose fault was it? Accidents happen all the time, and unfortunately some happen on an astronomical scale; this was the case.

When accidents happen, such as car accidents where gas may skill on the highway, or a tractor trailer flipping that contains hazardous waste, the area is contained and cleaned up, many times by a trained HAZMAT crew. In the case of the BP oil spill, there is really no protocol for something of this magnitude, but why not?

We all know that using the earth's natural resources is highly risky. Despite the fact that generations of people have harvested coal, mine disasters still occur and it is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. Nuclear technology has led to devastating incidents in Chernobyl, and almost occurred at Three Mile Island, to which there is still skepticism on what actually happened. Oil is no different. Harvesting oil from miles below the ocean for our consumption is an extremely risky operation. Things break, parts do not last, the unexpected can and will happen.

We cannot be prepared for every situation, but how is there not a protocol for what to do if say, a leak occurs? A leak is a definite possibility when drilling for oil. Punctures can occur instantly, pressures can change in milliseconds, and explosions can happen from just a spark.

The reaction to the explosion in the Gulf that has now caused a months-long leak of oil into the ocean is just as horrific as the incident itself. When bad things happen, one acts. It's instinctual to jump away from the burn of a flame, to protect oneself. Why was it not instinctual to get to an explosion as soon as possible to prevent additional leaking? Even if it could not have been repaired immediately, or was the wrong decision at the time, at least BP and government could have said, "We were there as soon as it happened", but they were not.

Months later, action is still slow, and still failing. Failing is not so much the issue; I see that they area at least attempting multiple fixes, although I am annoyed that there has not yet been a solution. What are most disturbing is the weeks it took to even investigate the situation fully and attempt a remedy, any remedy, immediately to try and prevent further spilling.

While free enterprise needs to have fewer regulations to truly operate in the spirit of open entrepreneurship, we do not just let anyone do what they want within the means of their product. There are regulations and safeguards so that we are all protected, and so the earth is protected. Where were the standards for the BP oil spill? Fines do not fix the problem.

I would have hoped that with previous oil spills, like the Exxon Valdez spill that devastated a coast, would have taught us about putting regulations on money hungry magnates such as the oil companies. U.S. business regulation has failed again to force businesses to remain accountable to their consumers, to the environment, and with their products. We all understand that accidents happen, but that's why we as individuals are required to carry auto insurance, why many employers offer health insurance, and why we try and keep our assets insured. Where is our insurance on multi-billion company accidents?