Did you hear Obama's news conference earlier today on the oil spill - now the largest in US history?
It was a mixed message, but he did not sound like the confident leader that one might expect in this situation. He sounded miffed, irritated, and almost angry. He admitted that each day that goes by without a solution makes him more angry and more frustrated. I sense it doesn't take much to make him angry anyway.
But here was the telling part that was easy to miss for its significance. He said that BP is not allowed to do anything - and he stressed that - without approval from the Administration. Here, we have been thinking that BP was doing all they could, and now we find out that they are only doing what they are being allowed to do.
The President wants the oil spill stopped - so he says. They are doing everything conceivably possible - so he says. BP is doing all they can - so he says, and we now know it has to pass muster with the White House first.
MMS (Minerals Management Services) Director, Elizabeth Birnbaum, resigned today after it was first reported she was fired. This is a convenient scapegoat for the Administration. It had oversight responsibility for approving, promoting, and regulating the offshore drilling - admittedly with a conflict of interest and responsibilities.
In addition to the Congressional hearings, the President has created the "National Commission on BP Exploration and Offshore Drilling." Just what we need - another commission.
Then, the President got into his political message, and this is why I label this his perfect storm.
He is using this oil spill to stop offshore drilling.
He has suspended or canceled the following programs: 2 wells off of Alaska, proposed drilling off of Virgina, additional drilling in the Gulf, and 33 wells already in various stages of construction. Therefore, there is no more offshore drilling in America - maybe not until after 2012. No other permits for any drilling applications will be allowed for at least 6 months.
Then he urges development of clean energy and passage of the cap and trade by the Senate (although he used a code name for it).
Does he have a screenwriter on his team?
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He will destroy one the best environments in the world for the benefit of his political agenda. And his voters thought they were voting for a 'peoples president'. I guess they know now.
Next time we have a jet crash, I wonder if he'll want to stop air travel?
Steve,
This was a very defensive President I saw this afternoon. Damage control to the max.
Rich
Michael,
Yes he is getting his way with reshaping our country. There are still many who love him. :)
Steve
Jon,
Think TSA. Think 3-1-1. Think no or restricted carry-ons. We have done everything but stop it. :)
Steve
Rich,
I agree. He doesn't like being put on the spot - especially when is doesn't have the answers/ However, he recovered well when he got to talk about his agenda. :)
Steve
Damage control and SPIN on Sestak * luckily, Y&R was re-run on Soapnet tonight in its entirety!
I agree with the fact that Obama is trying to use this tragedy to stop what every other nation will still do even though Obama will try to outlaw offshore drilling - and still the communists have no solutions - only blame others for their lack of ideas...
Steve
I'm very disappointed in the current administrations and their lack of action to resolve the oil spill issue.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Wallace,
Everything is a performance. :)
Steve
Nick,
How very convenient to blame BP for their lack of progress yet praise them for doing all they can and all that they are allowed to do - shifting all the focus to BP. :)
Steve
Lou,
We all should be disappointed. Whether we voted for him or not, we deserve a better response - and some leadership. :)
Steve
Remember other headlines from today:
Hillary: 'The rich are not paying their fair share'
Pelosi blames Bush admin...
Oliver Stone 'deeply admires' Hugo Chavez; new documentary...
Immigration rallies drawing crowds to Phoenix...
I can't wait until November.
Brian,
Great commentary. Thank you. :)
Steve