I admit I have been fun over the last few days. As the oil continues to gush out, politicans have been falling over themselves to look tough and "demand" action. I especially was amused to see the spectacle in Capitol Hill on Thursday. Thanks to C-Span and gavel to gavel coverage on US Cable Networks, I was able to get the gist of what was going on. The analysis and the reporting has been out there and the pundits have been at it. Of course, what got the most headlines was Mr. Barton's Apology to BP for the "shakedown". The man later retracted it. This one was so over the top that even the U.S. House Minority Leader had to come up and publicly admonish someone who was clearly in the pocket of the Oil Industry.
Friday saw a decision by BP's Chairman to relieve the CEO, Tony Hayward, of his responsiblities and to have Bob Dudley take over. How could he have gone before the Congress with standard answers like, "..I don't know...", "...I don't recall...", "..I wasn't there...", etc. etc. is something I can't phantom? Where does the buck stop? There seems to be no one in charge so far. I even understand that BP had the questions even in advance. I suppose after Tony Hayward's answers to questions, the BP Chairman had no choice.
As the tragedy in the Gulf continues to unfold, what is pathetic is members of Congress who campaigned against big Government now going after a symbol of the misuse of lax regard for regulation. One such person is Marsha Blackburn of Tenessee. She was railing against loss of Freedom, too much regulation and now she is criticizing BP. There are other Republicans who portray themselves being on a mission and questioning why ships were not introduced. Well, there is something called the Jones Act. What really is even more bothersome is Sarah Palin's claim that President Obama wanted this to happen. She talked about this on Fox's the Factor and even Bill O'Reilly got upset. Of course, the High Priest of the Right (aka Rush Limbaugh), reinforced this fantasy too on his entertainment show. Whatever one may think of Barack Obama, this is really, really far-fetched. To top it all, Hannity began his Friday Show on Fox blasting President Obama for pushing on jobs and touting the effects of the stimulus. What Hannity needs to understand is that Presidents can do two things at the same time. The business of running the country has to continue on. This notion of the stimulus not working is simply nonsense. Even the most sceptical of analysts credit the stimulus for avoiding more of a calamity It is amazing how they are living in their own world and continue to be advocates for the status quo. What I also find especially sickening is the position of the American Petroleum Institute noting basically that nothing should change. For those who don't these guys, they are the mouth piece for the Oil Industry. They should take their queue from Former BP refining chief Cynthia Warner, now president of Sapphire Energy, when she decided "it was better to create the key to the future than to nurse along the dying past." It was fascinating to visit the company website at Really Long Link
Meanwhile, back in the real world, the Oil continues to gush out. The Gulf is dying a slow death. The way of life enjoyed by hundreds of thousand
of people is being withered away bit by bit. I am especially worried about the estimated 300,000 people who will lose their livelihood as a result of the moratorium. I called for a Marshall Plan for the South and believe that the time is now. I realize that this may be a non-starter for those who say that we can't afford it because of the fiscal constraints. My response to that is simply this: If not now, when?
Let me conclude by at least providing some good news. I commend BP for striking a deal with Ocean Therapy Solutions for the centrifuge solution to separate oil from water. The company has been backed by Kevin Costner, the Actor, to the tune of 20 Million Dollars. BP has bought 32 of these machines. Although I have wondered why it took them so long, they seem to at least willing to look at anything. That should be the focus now.
Mr. Obama spoke from the Oval Office earlier tonight. He laid out the history and his game plan on what he is going to do going ahead. I would have expected a lot more from a speech which was supposed to set the tone going forward. But, he had to speak up--and he did. I am not sure if that speech made the transformational impact that it needed to make. Simply bashing BP is not going to cut it. The idea behind other commisions is another one of those "cop-outs" The coun
As the country moves on, it is important to realize what is at hand. The survival of the way of life in the Gulf is at stake. It is clear that there were mistakes made. What I find pathetic in all this is the attempt by the GOP and their Amen Crowd in the so-called conservative movement to play the blame game. There was one pointed comment by Stuart Varney of Fox News noting how it was not cost effective to go after wind and solar. He talked about the economic impact. I don't disagree with Varney and the rest of the "Gang of the Right" that there is an economic impact. What I disagree with them is the fact that they are pushing for the status quo by advocating more of the same. Mr. Varney should take the time to study what Denmark has done. Before he does that, I suggest he visits what T. Boone Pickens has been talking about for the longest time. I don't regard T.Boone Pickens as a Marxist leftie. Maybe Varney and the crowd he's running around with think so. What I was amazed at was how definitive and authoriative he was. I also am amazed as to how they are so hungry to go drill everywhere, mine coal, and let the companies run amock with their short-term views on things and forget the long term consequences.
The high priest of conservatism himself, Rush Limbaugh, has been quite busy. . He claims that the "regime" wanted this after all (Source: Really Long Link retrieved 6/15/2010). I have to wonder what "regime" is he talking about. He also noted that, ".."There's no reason to shut down oil drilling all over the Gulf and in Alaska just because of this BP disaster. As I said: We don't stop making airplanes because one crashes.".." What he fails to understand is this disaster has far reaching implications. He's the same guy that said that when healthcare passed, he'd move to Costa Rica. I'm sure he did not know that Costa Rica had a state-sanctioned healthcare system. I wonder why he has not moved yet.
America has to come together and use this to transform the way it manages the economy. The fact that America consumes 20% of the World's Oil while only having 2% of the World's Oil Supply is simply not sustainable. Does this mean that potentially $ 5/Gallon of Gas is on the horizon? Yes. Is this a small price to pay to transform the way America lives? Absolutely not. The challenge continues to be to find the courage to go beyond this short term rhetoric and slogans. I am yet to see that courage.
The whole world and I have been witness to the unfolding tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico. I have been watching in horror the live feed that BP has going on through their website. I have released a link here in this "write-up". The stupidity and foolish moves being made are frankly mind-boggling. The documents coming out show how idiotic all moves have been. Everyone is responsible. Although it is increasingly looking like Obama's Katrina--not withstanding the political spin the President and the Adminstration are trying to push. Blaming Bush-Era policies is not enough anymore. The Obama Adminstration has been in office for 18 months.
I have had a chance to take a look at coverage and the lowering of expectations on whether this so-called "top-kill" process is gong to work or not. Tony Hayward, BP's CEO, says that there is a 60 to 70 percent chance that this might work. If this does not work, what other alternatives are there? Relief Wells are being done, right now. Beyond that, who knows what else they are trying. In the meantime, oil continues to gush out. As for BP's spin on it, they say they are trying. But, the record I have seen proves otherwise
I have been witness to the gradual destruction in the Gulf of Mexico. What I have also been witness to is the right wing noise machine beating the drumbeats of calling what happened in the Gulf as "Obama's Katrina". Thankfully, there are still some sensible people left who question this fallacy. Joe Scarbarough of MSNBC even went as far as calling those guys "idiots". He is as bonafide a conservative as they come. Yet, it appears that there is no room for such people too in today's Republican Party.
The misstatements continue on with no end in sight. Hannity talked about how certain staffers within the Interior Department were "out to lunch". He failed to note that the No 2 at Interior was on the scene almost immediately and that the Company supposedly assured the Government that everything is under control. But, In the meantime, an estimated 5,000 barrel of oils continues to gush out
As the First Quarter of 2010 came to an end in the United States, I was shocked to read on President Obama's annoucement to open up drilling off the Atlantic Coast. I have been struggling to understand the rationale behind the annoucement in light of the President's stated goal to lessen dependence on Foreign Oil.
As I assessed the reaction across the political spectrum, I felt Mike Pence was right on when he dismissed the President's annoucement. But, what was hypocritical was that these were the same guys who pushed the concept of "Drill , baby Drill" and now they are opposing what the President did. The Republicans truly need to figure out to go beyond being the "Party of No" to all that the President is doing. This is just the latest example
As the world gears up to celebrate Earth Day, I wanted to cotninue thinking about the possiblities that each individual can have to help make a difference every day. There are sceptics continuing to pounce upon oversights by the UN climate body, the IPCC. But if anyone denies that the earth's climate is changing and that the power does exist to help change things, they are delusional and do not accept the truth.
There are a number of resources that I have ran across that folks on "main street" can go out and check out: 1) letmeplay.com: This is a site dedicated to recycling Sneakers; 2) carpetrecovery.org (old carpets); 3) patagonia.com (clothes). These are just three such sites that all of us can check out and see what can be done to help do what is right for our planet
Over the last number of days, I have been researching ideas and thoughts about what we in Main Street World can do to live up to our responsbility and committment to our little home called Earth. The solemn moral obligations is beyond question. Whether the changes are called Global Warming, Climate Change or anything else, those who deny it seem not to understand the gravity of the situation.
As the sceptics continue to hav a field day, businesses are increasingly adopting a simple attitude: Green is Good. One of the companies that is doing so in a major way is Southern Califronia Edision. They have been at the forefront of alternative energy and innovative thinking for quite some time. They erected one of the first wind farms East of Los Angeles over 20 years ago before anyone had a real idea of what Alternative Energy was in the U.S. The problem was that they did sustain it. That's changing though. I recently received a mailing from Southern California Edison that details a roadmap of how to gear up for Electric Vehicles. It was simple, to the point and frankly gratifying
Hugo Chavez continues on with his "rampage". I followed his latest walk-about around the world with fascination. What I find bothersome is when any one man begins to think that he knows better than everyone else. That's why he and idiotnejad in Iran are buddies.
What I find troublesome is how Chavez has been spending his nation's wealth on arms. He tells the world that he wants to counter "the Empire". If he wants to be Obama's "friend", then why is he buying all these arms? Who is the threat? Although he denies it, the FARC uses his country's territory for rest. The economy is in trouble and mismanagement is rife. Yet, Chavez marches right along. The deals he has inked with China and Russia to explore the latest major oil find is also worrisome
Barack Obama is attending the summit of the Americas. As I listened to his speech yesterday, I thought that his forwarding looking rhetoric and call to action by Latin Americans was something that all should embrace. I found it especially encouraging when Chavez and Obama shook hands. I have had profound reservations about what Chavez has been doing. But the hostile rhetoric that has prevailed over the past eight years has to give way to a new day
As the First Quarter of 2009 ends, I continue to remain hopeful. As I have written and reflected upon our world, at times I have been concerned as to the lack of respect shown to opposing views. I yearn for a substantive analysis of the challenges we face today so that we can work to solve them together. Outsider Views began in this spirit. I will continue this path because of my view on the need for consesus and the need to hope.
Today saw 73 countries attending the Hague Meeting on Afghanistan. I view the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister as a hopeful sign. Although I would have rather seen Foreign Minister Mottaki there, at least a senior official attended the meeting. Iran has a vested interest in Afghanistan being stable due to the immense refugee problem, the drug trade and the instability it inherently brings
The debate on what to do about how to jumpstart the US Economy rages on. I personally have received appeals from both Senator McCain's new CountryFirst PAC and President Obama's Organizing for America Organization. The roundtable held earlier between four leading lights of the U.S. Congress on NBC's Meet the Press underscores this divide.
As the debate continues, teachers, fire fighters and cops are on the chopping block. States are in dire straits. California continues to operate without a budget.
The President Arrives For His First Day....A Busy One too!!!
The first day of the Obama Adminstration has begun. The President began his day by attending the National Prayer Service and got down to work. I saw him when he met with the White House and signed off on the new Ethics Rules. He has also been meeting with the Economics and National Security Teams. They have hit the ground running. Unfortunately, the Senate has not done the job by confirming the nominees. At least three key members are yet to be confirmed. A new Era has truly begun
Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. Throughout my lifetime, I have had the privilege to read on the traditions and was finally able to be a true witness to this momentous transfer of power due to the power of technology. I have continued to marvel at how someone with so much power gives it up so willingly because the people are truly sovereign in America. This was quite moving when the President and the First Lady escorted Former Mr. and Mrs. Bush
Barack Obama was on Meet the Press this morning. He and the Moderator Tom Brokaw talked about a wide array of challenges that Mr. Obama will face when he takes office January 20:
The Final U.S. Presidential Debate concluded earlier tonight. John McCain went out on the attack. I think it was quite a debate. I knew that Bob Schieffer would get it done. He got it done!!!
I found the debate to be substantive. In my view, both men presented their views in a spirited fashion. I saw John McCain the Fighter Pilot. He repeated went after Senator Obama. Between the speech Senator McCain made on Monday, his "whip his you know what" comment to his campaign staff and the energy he seems to be shown, he is going all out. Whether it is enough, it remains to be seen. But, Senator Obama kept his cool and reinforced the central themes of the message. The question is whether this was the knockout punch John McCain needed to have to emerge from the doldrums. I did not believe it to be so
The U.S. Vice Presidential debate has just concluded. Before I talk about the debate itself,the role of the debate moderator must be mentioned. I think Gwen Ifill did an outstanding job. All this hype about her book and her apparent "tilt" towards Obama turned out to be crap!!! So far, the moderators have done a great job. With Tom Brokaw and Bob Schieffer moderating the next two debates, I think it will only get better.
Senator Biden and Governor Palin went toe-to-toe. I think Senator Biden side-stepped Governor Palin in a rather deft way. He was quite restrained, but on top of his game. He was my candidate twenty years ago. He was not my candidate this time simply because I was duped by John Edwards. But, I think Senator Obama's decision to choose him was a master stroke. Senator Biden has spoken his mind. I was impressed when he made two key points: 1) He reminded the world that the idiot Ahmadinejad does not control the Iranian Security services. He was surprised that that Senator McCain was not aware of this fact and 2) He reminded the world of Senator McCain's record
An Aide to Senator McCain claimed that Blackberry was a miracle that Senator McCain helped create. When I first read about this, I laughed. I guess the co-founders of Research In Motion had nothing to do with it. Senator McCain was ridiculed by Senator Obama for not being able to even write an e-mail. I found that a bit over the top. Therefore, it seems to me that his technological vision is not as "advanced" as one might lead to believe.
When I read about this statement, I was reminded of how Al Gore was ridiculed when he was "accused" of inventing the interent. The truth was that accoding to Vint Cerf, the father of the Interent, Al Gore played a leading role in creating the ground work for the eventual mass adoption of the interent while in Congress. I suppose Al Gore is used to that kind of ridicule. He is now the subject of ridicule by many for talking about what others simply ignored up to now. This is a testamony he made before the Congress in 2007
The price of Brett Crude in London has fallen below $ 100. Although this is great news, it still does not address the undelying structural challenges we face in terms of a declning availability of supply and ever increasing demand. Demand has fallen because people are not using as much anymore. It is still good news and hope that such a short term decline will not cause us to lose sight of the big picture. We have to get off the carbon binge and get off it now!!!
Campaigns are serious business. Campaigns are a chance to debate and reflect upon the future. As I was reviewing my daily analysis, I thought some humor was in order. Senator McCain's visit to the oil rig prompted a response from the Democrats. I I have commented on the idiocy of this push by Senator McCain. I did get a kick out of the ad,though:
Mike Pouraryan
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