The bigger picture message I believe HEBGB is attempting to convey is:

1. the problem is systemic; it is NOT unique to BP.

2. BP and other oil companies would not be in operation and seeking to "drill, drill, drill" at any cost if not for CONSUMERS.

And, on this level, HEBGB is correct.

I will add the the gov is just as complicit. In the UK, there are strict laws governing oil companies who want to drill. For example, the majors must form a group working together and funding specialized oil spill response service providers. They have plans in place; they have equip in place; they have trained teams in place in strategic locations who are at the ready 24x7.....all funded by the oil companies. The oil companies are liable for all. Select employees of the majors must also go through spill and disaster training. In fact, someone in my household attended simulated disaster training at a *BP facility* in the UK regarding oil tainted water entering a nuke reactor facility. But I digress.

In the UK, this preparedness and strict contingency plans are law, and it is COB for the majors.

Two points here:

1. BP is knowledgeable in these operations because they have to be to conduct such operations in other countries. So the chaos going on regarding this clean-up (as well as safety measures) is completely unexplainable other than they are not forced.

2. The gov in any country controls regulations. Check with Congress for the reasons the US is so lax.

But be very, very careful not to fall for the cry out for support of Cap and Trade. That bill has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with this issue.

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