Post by Red Moon on Jun 29, 2010 8:06:20 GMT -8
It is my estimation that 40% of people who find this humble journal entry won't read it because it's too lengthy. Another 30% won't read this because they think it has nothing to do with them. roughly 10% will read this entry and do nothing. another 10% will donate to a local cause group or fund-raiser to help. 5% will want to reference this journal to benefit themselves. the last 5% of people who read this journal will send it to friends and family. They'll reference it in web forums, or chat groups. They may even refer to it in their speeches, or remember how it effected them as they protest. 5% will spread this news around. I am writing this journal for that 5%, in hopes that 5% of two or three, becomes 5% of hundreds, or dare I dream it, thousands. My audience is people who give a damn. Because if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
I'm talking about the Deepwater Horizon oil "spill" in the Gulf of Mexico, United states. In case you're not entirely up to date on this catastrophe, let me fill you in.
First of all, one of the many misconceptions about this disaster is evident even in the name by which it has been referred. The Gulf "oil spill" is not actually a spill at all. It's a continuously flowing geyser, originating at a deep water wellhead some 5,000 feet below, and spewing an estimated 2,500,000 US gallons of crude oil per day. However, the exact measurements are uncertain and the source of constant debate, due to the difficulty of installing measurement devices. This flow of crude oil, spanning at least 2,500 square miles a day, depending on weather conditions originated at the "Deepwater Horizon" oil-drilling rig, located at 28.73667°N 88.38716°W Gulf of Mexico, near the Mississippi River delta, where on April 20, 2010, during an alleged "safety celebration" taking place on the rig, a massive explosion occurred, killing 11 platform workers, injuring 17 others, and resulting in the largest offshore oil disaster in US history.
One of the main topics of discussion in regards to the oil spill is the BP petroleum company's response to the "spill." Before your hairs raise about "those bastards over at BP," please look first at our own US government, who wasted no time in pointing the finger at the villainous scum who's to pay for this abominable crime against nature. Our beloved president Obama, who, by the way, I have come to respect since his inauguration on January 21, 2009, has reportedly placed a moratorium on offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. This is a myth. the vaguely proposed six-month delay on oil-drilling was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge on June 22, leaving it void. Since the announcement, made on may 6th, 17 new offshore drilling projects have been permitted. His supporters seem to have forgotten the fact that Obama has always been a supporter of offshore oil. Nevertheless, the Obama administration sent a $69 million bill to BP and affiliates, and the president made the following declaration in his first speech from the oval office, saying, "This oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced... Make no mistake: we will fight this spill with everything we've got for as long as it takes. We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused. And we will do whatever's necessary to help the Gulf Coast and its people recover from this tragedy." Now, I'm not trying to reassign blame for this incident, mind you. I'm merely trying to add perspective. There are more people out there, trying to cover their asses than Just BP, and this is only one example.
But, since the focus is on BP "Beyond Petroleum," let's take a look at the heroic efforts they've made to "solve" this "oil spill crisis." Go to the BP website homepage. Go on, take a look. www.BP.com. Go take a look. You see? Right there on the very front page, under the bold letters reading, "Gulf of Mexico response" are news and updates about BP's "relief plan," which is, in effect, no plan at all. What they call a "plan" lacks the proper formula, and even directions for how to deal with any deepwater explosions in the future. It's also evident that the company has no clue how their little "spill" is effecting the local wildlife and environment, as they somehow included walruses as a "sensitive biological resource" in the Gulf. Of course, any second-grader knows that Walruses make their habitat exclusively in the Arctic. What, did they just copy/paste their plan directly from the "Exxon Valdez Plan" from 1989? But don't blame them for trying. They've obviously put a lot of thought and effort into recent proceedings. Transocean Ltd., the owner of the Deepwater Oil rig leased by BP, has especially put some thought into it. Of course, it has some experience in dealing with oil spills, which is why Transocean decided to insure the rig for nearly twice what it's worth, and is reportedly making a $270 million profit from the insurance payoffs, following the disaster.
But, I'm sick of hearing and talking about large companies with millions of dollars at their disposal. How about those of us who don't "keep our feathers numbered for just such an occasion." Working men, ordinary folk, you and me? How does this effect people? Let's start with what we put in our mouths. As a Seattlite, I love seafood, so I can say with certainty that many may be worried about where theirs are coming from. But, while the Gulf is the primary source of domestic shellfish and other popular fish, (in fact, approximately 21% of all fish supplied to the lower 48 states) and roughly one-third of the gulf has been closed off to fishing as oil spreads, a majority of seafood is imported to the US, and most of the Gulf is still open to fishermen. That said, what happens to the fish that are caught in the gulf? Well, systems are currently in place to ensure that all seafood caught in the Gulf have been caught from non-contaminated water, but many fishermen are becoming seriously ill, claiming that the chemicals BP is using to clean up the spill is the cause. Because of this trend, several fishing companies are estimating several years before they can begin deep-sea fishing again, resulting in major profit losses.
But apparently, not everyone is losing money from the disaster. Certain websites have been tagged for placing odds on which marine species will be the first to become extinct as a result of the spill. Statistics say that the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle is a decent bet, placing at the highest odd. Hmm... Kemp's Ridley sea turtle... anyone remember those? Oh, yeah! Remember the massive Ixtoc oil disaster of 1979? This unlucky species of sea turtle were originally air-lifted to the Gulf coast to escape the toxic black substance. No, I wouldn't call this irony. That would imply that nobody's to blame. Nope, I'm afraid that we're the offenders, here. we keep putting them in danger with our affinity for greasy, black combustible energy. But don't worry. I'm sure they'll be safe near the next oil-rig we dump them nearby.
Oh, right! I knew I was neglecting the effect on local wildlife and the environment. Silly me! While, the Kemp's Ridley, which spawn exclusively in the Gulf, are certainly among the top species at risk, there are still many other species of wildlife at risk, most of which were already endangered before thousands of gallons of oil began spewing from their natural habitat. The Bluefin Tuna is one such example. Already endangered from overfishing, this species of fish is another one to bet on! The bluefish tuna are at extreme risk, since they spawn in the gulf, and that's hard to swallow no matter how delicious they are. The snowy Plover, as well as dozens of other migrating birds, turtles, shellfish, and mammals are also at a major risk from the effects of the geyser of bubbling, black doom. Oh, but Mother Nature is a tenacious old broad, right? The Gulf of Mexico can heal itself. Just let nature take it's course, right? Wrong. Though, it's true that natural ecosystems are remarkable in that they can regenerate, let's not forget that this isn't the first major oil-related disaster to occur in the Gulf. Decades of spill damage from disasters long-forgotten (by those who aren't still paying for them) still plague the coast contaminating both the surface and deep underwater, and could very well permanently compromise marine ecosystems. Let's not forget that we're talking about hurricane central check-in station, here. Currently, Hurricane Alex is on its way, and though many hopeful meteorologists are saying it'll continue its course through Mexico and avoid the disaster area, there are still signs that it may change it's course. But, this isn't something that'll just disappear. Things will change, and if people are hoping they'll go right back to normal, they're going to discover that ecosystem on and surrounding the Gulf of Mexico isn't returning to normal, but finding a new equilibrium.
All this information is available using easy-to-find, publicly verifiable knowledge. I urge you to take a look for yourself, and discover worse horrors than I've given you. And better, still, learn about ways you can help out. Donate money, food, hair! Seriously, hair! Go to your local participating barber or salon, and ask them to donate your hair clippings to "Matter of Trust" for the Gulf coast. Your hair can suck up oil and save lives. Take action! Federal law empowers citizens to bring suits to stop water pollution and punish those responsible. If you don't go to those extremes, write a blog to help raise awareness. For Pete's sake, at least show this journal to someone else! Too many decisions which lead our lives are made for us, because we fail to take action. Stand up, save lives, Save the world! Your name can mean something years down the line. At the very least add your small voice to the crowd screaming across the planet. I said 5% will make a difference. Make me wrong!
I'm talking about the Deepwater Horizon oil "spill" in the Gulf of Mexico, United states. In case you're not entirely up to date on this catastrophe, let me fill you in.
First of all, one of the many misconceptions about this disaster is evident even in the name by which it has been referred. The Gulf "oil spill" is not actually a spill at all. It's a continuously flowing geyser, originating at a deep water wellhead some 5,000 feet below, and spewing an estimated 2,500,000 US gallons of crude oil per day. However, the exact measurements are uncertain and the source of constant debate, due to the difficulty of installing measurement devices. This flow of crude oil, spanning at least 2,500 square miles a day, depending on weather conditions originated at the "Deepwater Horizon" oil-drilling rig, located at 28.73667°N 88.38716°W Gulf of Mexico, near the Mississippi River delta, where on April 20, 2010, during an alleged "safety celebration" taking place on the rig, a massive explosion occurred, killing 11 platform workers, injuring 17 others, and resulting in the largest offshore oil disaster in US history.
One of the main topics of discussion in regards to the oil spill is the BP petroleum company's response to the "spill." Before your hairs raise about "those bastards over at BP," please look first at our own US government, who wasted no time in pointing the finger at the villainous scum who's to pay for this abominable crime against nature. Our beloved president Obama, who, by the way, I have come to respect since his inauguration on January 21, 2009, has reportedly placed a moratorium on offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. This is a myth. the vaguely proposed six-month delay on oil-drilling was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge on June 22, leaving it void. Since the announcement, made on may 6th, 17 new offshore drilling projects have been permitted. His supporters seem to have forgotten the fact that Obama has always been a supporter of offshore oil. Nevertheless, the Obama administration sent a $69 million bill to BP and affiliates, and the president made the following declaration in his first speech from the oval office, saying, "This oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced... Make no mistake: we will fight this spill with everything we've got for as long as it takes. We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused. And we will do whatever's necessary to help the Gulf Coast and its people recover from this tragedy." Now, I'm not trying to reassign blame for this incident, mind you. I'm merely trying to add perspective. There are more people out there, trying to cover their asses than Just BP, and this is only one example.
But, since the focus is on BP "Beyond Petroleum," let's take a look at the heroic efforts they've made to "solve" this "oil spill crisis." Go to the BP website homepage. Go on, take a look. www.BP.com. Go take a look. You see? Right there on the very front page, under the bold letters reading, "Gulf of Mexico response" are news and updates about BP's "relief plan," which is, in effect, no plan at all. What they call a "plan" lacks the proper formula, and even directions for how to deal with any deepwater explosions in the future. It's also evident that the company has no clue how their little "spill" is effecting the local wildlife and environment, as they somehow included walruses as a "sensitive biological resource" in the Gulf. Of course, any second-grader knows that Walruses make their habitat exclusively in the Arctic. What, did they just copy/paste their plan directly from the "Exxon Valdez Plan" from 1989? But don't blame them for trying. They've obviously put a lot of thought and effort into recent proceedings. Transocean Ltd., the owner of the Deepwater Oil rig leased by BP, has especially put some thought into it. Of course, it has some experience in dealing with oil spills, which is why Transocean decided to insure the rig for nearly twice what it's worth, and is reportedly making a $270 million profit from the insurance payoffs, following the disaster.
But, I'm sick of hearing and talking about large companies with millions of dollars at their disposal. How about those of us who don't "keep our feathers numbered for just such an occasion." Working men, ordinary folk, you and me? How does this effect people? Let's start with what we put in our mouths. As a Seattlite, I love seafood, so I can say with certainty that many may be worried about where theirs are coming from. But, while the Gulf is the primary source of domestic shellfish and other popular fish, (in fact, approximately 21% of all fish supplied to the lower 48 states) and roughly one-third of the gulf has been closed off to fishing as oil spreads, a majority of seafood is imported to the US, and most of the Gulf is still open to fishermen. That said, what happens to the fish that are caught in the gulf? Well, systems are currently in place to ensure that all seafood caught in the Gulf have been caught from non-contaminated water, but many fishermen are becoming seriously ill, claiming that the chemicals BP is using to clean up the spill is the cause. Because of this trend, several fishing companies are estimating several years before they can begin deep-sea fishing again, resulting in major profit losses.
But apparently, not everyone is losing money from the disaster. Certain websites have been tagged for placing odds on which marine species will be the first to become extinct as a result of the spill. Statistics say that the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle is a decent bet, placing at the highest odd. Hmm... Kemp's Ridley sea turtle... anyone remember those? Oh, yeah! Remember the massive Ixtoc oil disaster of 1979? This unlucky species of sea turtle were originally air-lifted to the Gulf coast to escape the toxic black substance. No, I wouldn't call this irony. That would imply that nobody's to blame. Nope, I'm afraid that we're the offenders, here. we keep putting them in danger with our affinity for greasy, black combustible energy. But don't worry. I'm sure they'll be safe near the next oil-rig we dump them nearby.
Oh, right! I knew I was neglecting the effect on local wildlife and the environment. Silly me! While, the Kemp's Ridley, which spawn exclusively in the Gulf, are certainly among the top species at risk, there are still many other species of wildlife at risk, most of which were already endangered before thousands of gallons of oil began spewing from their natural habitat. The Bluefin Tuna is one such example. Already endangered from overfishing, this species of fish is another one to bet on! The bluefish tuna are at extreme risk, since they spawn in the gulf, and that's hard to swallow no matter how delicious they are. The snowy Plover, as well as dozens of other migrating birds, turtles, shellfish, and mammals are also at a major risk from the effects of the geyser of bubbling, black doom. Oh, but Mother Nature is a tenacious old broad, right? The Gulf of Mexico can heal itself. Just let nature take it's course, right? Wrong. Though, it's true that natural ecosystems are remarkable in that they can regenerate, let's not forget that this isn't the first major oil-related disaster to occur in the Gulf. Decades of spill damage from disasters long-forgotten (by those who aren't still paying for them) still plague the coast contaminating both the surface and deep underwater, and could very well permanently compromise marine ecosystems. Let's not forget that we're talking about hurricane central check-in station, here. Currently, Hurricane Alex is on its way, and though many hopeful meteorologists are saying it'll continue its course through Mexico and avoid the disaster area, there are still signs that it may change it's course. But, this isn't something that'll just disappear. Things will change, and if people are hoping they'll go right back to normal, they're going to discover that ecosystem on and surrounding the Gulf of Mexico isn't returning to normal, but finding a new equilibrium.
All this information is available using easy-to-find, publicly verifiable knowledge. I urge you to take a look for yourself, and discover worse horrors than I've given you. And better, still, learn about ways you can help out. Donate money, food, hair! Seriously, hair! Go to your local participating barber or salon, and ask them to donate your hair clippings to "Matter of Trust" for the Gulf coast. Your hair can suck up oil and save lives. Take action! Federal law empowers citizens to bring suits to stop water pollution and punish those responsible. If you don't go to those extremes, write a blog to help raise awareness. For Pete's sake, at least show this journal to someone else! Too many decisions which lead our lives are made for us, because we fail to take action. Stand up, save lives, Save the world! Your name can mean something years down the line. At the very least add your small voice to the crowd screaming across the planet. I said 5% will make a difference. Make me wrong!
