Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I was going to put this in the Asylum, but....

I get that, Trudi. But that doesn't take away from the fact that something's got to change. They're about to drill one of these deep ocean wells of the east coast of Canada. Do you think they're going to observe safety protocols any more than they did with Deep Water Horizon? Something has to change. And it's going to have to be the people who put the pressure on.

Personally, I have long felt that if the petroleum companies were truly interested, they could put a large portion of their profits (say, 10%) into research and development of non petroleum based sources of energy. That would put them at the head of the move away from oil, give their employees new training in the new technologies and so no jobs are lost, and their precious profits wouldn't be that badly impacted because the consumer would go to them for alternative sources.

The Canada Tar Sands project is no better than the BP one to my mind. The ecological impact of that is already being felt in Saskatchewan. The groundwater sources are being contaminated. But the economic bottom line (ie. profits) are more important than the damage being done to human lives, animal and birdlife and the environment in general.

It has to stop somehow because when we damage our planet in this way, the damage to our species (because that's the only thing some humans take into account, so that's how I'm putting it) going forward is unimaginable. We have to stop looking only at the ends of our own noses. It doesn't matter to us, maybe, but what are our children and grandchildren going to do? What about their children?

This is truly a case of "sins of the fathers", but the fathers don't seem to care.

And the excuse that other countries are doing it doesn't wash with me. Somebody has to stand up and do what's right. And really, before the deep water wells were started, were studies not done as to what to do if something like this happened? Why were the contingencies not already developed and ready to go at a moment's notice? Why didn't they check to see what would happen to the 'dome' solution at that depth long before they needed it? Why didn't they know that it would be so cold down there the stuff would freeze and get in the way of capping? These are questions I want to ask every government in the world. International waters are governed by rules, too.

Sorry, I'm a tad het up about it right now.

Warm hugs,

Of course I do, you silly goose. We just have to agree to disagree on some political stuff. I've read too much to be able to let President Bush and his oil buddies off the hook. Mr. Obama wasn't President when this thing was started, was he. But I do hope he can and will help going forward.

Our current Prime Minister is forever blaming the last government for every problem that has come up in Canada. But he's done nothing to fix those problems. Nothing at all and in some cases, he's made the problems worse. Therefore, he is as responsible as the last government.

If President Obama is as good as his word and truly works to fix this and change things going forward, then he is someone to be admired. If he turns out to be just like our Prime Minister, well, you all know what I think of our Prime Minister.

Love,

Kat,
So then we are kindred Spirits!!!!
Yea, we sure do agree on most of the stuff.

Much agape'
Lon
I was an obese preacher, now I am a silly goose.... lol
Ah, I love it here.

I do agree that profits seems to be the main agenda unfortunately, they don't see the human side of this...meanwhile our homes, properties, businesses, our futures and the futures of our children and grandchildren, families, neighbors and friends hang in the balance...I guess literally being held for ransom...I'm really hot about it, for 5 years everything has been upside down in our world, we worked so hard, living in campers for years while rebuilding, without the luxuries, or even the necessities that so many people take for granted, being separated from loved ones who had to leave to find work or substitute housing, it was so bad that people were committing suicide left and right...we were just starting to get close to something that resembles normal and now this...and hurricane season begins next week, so I guess it'll be raining oil next...I can hardly wait...

My Dear Michelle,
It does seem that we live in an age where leadership and ability to make clear decisions is AWOL. I can understand your anger, we can all understand it.
We had rain, snow, sleet and hail yesterday.
But my tomatoes are still standing!!!
How are you feeling? been thinking aobut you..

Lon

It's like we were talking about at the weekend, Miche. The Great God Economy. Humanity will sacrifice anything, anything at all, as long as the Great God Economy is fed.

We need money, I know. And there is nothing wrong with making a profit. But when the profit becomes more important than poor people getting healthcare, or people like you in your position having a safe place to live, that's just plain wrong.

The word of the profit....

Warm hugs,

Kat,
As the Prophet said -
love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

life, liberty and the persuit of happiness..... not filthy rich.

I am so glad that you two got together....

Humanity... all in the name of progress we have come to this madness! You and your man are in my thoughts and prayers. Keeping fighting for all creatures and we can only hope that BP and the powers that be will wake up before it's too late.

Peace

Oh Michelle, it all sounds so terrible. Being ordered to stay off the beaches I can understand on the one hand, safety must be a real concern, but still, I bet a whole bunch of people want to voluntarily try to help hands-on. It is your coast, not BP's! How are folks going to rescue sea birds and other wildlife if only the National Guard and law enforcement are allowed out there?! I can see not permitting anyone under a certain age but hope they will let small groups organise and help to look after all the little creatures.

I imagine one (of the many) big problems regardless of how the sloppy mess gets picked up, is how the waste can be carted off and managed. There are even salons way up here collecting hair clippings and I'd read of the hay idea too.. but the whole thing seems like an overwhelming nightmare. I've heard your governor speak a few times and he seems like a go-getter and not willing to wait to tackle what needs to be done. Hope he's a fighter!

Just wanted you to know that I'm worrying along with you all down there, feeling helpless and just hoping somehow, some way that your beautiful coast and environment won't be harmed too badly and will be able to recover. Michelle you just can't have another hurricane, don't even think about it! Take one day at a time.

Hang in there girl.
mig

The Deep Water Horizon oil spill is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. It is an international crisis, although it obviously impacts US land/ecosystem and the US economy the most. Every effort should be made at a multinational level to clean up the mess and prevent a recurrance. All offers of assistance (individual and government alike) in the clean-up effort should be applauded and encouraged.

Built in South Korea, registered in The Republic of The Marshall Islands, owned by a Swiss corporation, and under contract to a British corporation (BP Exploration), this is truly a multi-national problem. Located 50 miles offshore, Deep Water Horixon is well outside US territorial limits and thus US Government control. A moveable, semi-submersible rig, Horizon could be better compared to a ship then a stationary structure. Construction began in 1998 during the presidency of Bill Clinton. The rig was delivered to international waters of the Gulf of Mexico in February 2001 - less then one month after the inaguration of George W Bush. This is no more Bush's fault then it is Obama's or Clinton's.

Rather then turning this into some kind of political battleground, the international community needs to pull together to stop the leak, clean up the mess, and develop alternate energy sources.