Federal Government Impedes Clean-up

I am not a big fan of the concept that the Federal government has a role in all major disasters not of its making. Katrina, for example. However, the BP oil spill seems different for a couple of reasons. First, the Federal government licenses the drilling rights to the oil companies. Second, the Federal government seems to be actively impeding the efforts. More on that below.

President Obama has fouled up the Federal role from the beginning. It is baffling why he did not immediately call in the experts available and call in BP to ask, "What is needed to cap and clean up most quickly and effectively and how can the Federal government help?"

Not President Obama. He waits. When he finally calls in the President of BP, it is about the blame game, not efficient clean up.

NO, NO, NO. Blame comes later. Fix the problem first.

Not our Federal government. Instead of relaxing rules to bring in the folks who can clean up, the Coast Guard stops ships without enough life jackets. DUMB. Regulation uber alles. Not enough life jackets? Bring more tomorrow and get back to work cleaning up!

The Federal government is preventing a new skimming boat from operating because it is untested and they are not sure it meets regulatory standards. So far 600,000 barrels have a skimmed form the gulf. This boat is capable of $500,000 per day. So, why not test it under fire and to hell with the standards? Only the Obama-run Federal government knows for sure. Regulation is most efficient for only one thing: stifling innovation

President Obama deserves the blame for the Federal government's Keystone Cop approach to this clean up. Leadership starts at the top.