Our View
The hearings focused on BP CEO Tony Hayward have done little to solve the problem in the Gulf. Partly because he answered few questions in detail, but also because it didn’t seem he was asked many questions he could possibly answer.
Isn’t it obvious that if he could tell how the spewing oil could be stopped, he would have done it? Isn’t it obvious that if he knew how long it would take; he would have shared the information? Isn’t it obvious that he doesn’t enjoy being grilled and if he knew how to resolve the problem, he would have done it? Isn’t it obvious, however right or wrong, he trusted others and made decisions that have turned out badly, but can’t be taken back?
What could he have said that would have satisfied the questioners? It appeared that politicians were simply posturing, a skill most have mastered – especially when in front of cameras.
Don’t misunderstand this position. The Gulf oil spill disaster is a devastating blow to a region already facing a challenging economy and just beginning to rebound from the hurricanes and botched Federal relief. BP should be responsible for the impact and cleanup. But right now is the time to put energy into stopping it, not finger-pointing and blaming. Solve the problem, determine who is responsible and then make them accountable. In that order.
Effective parents teach their children to be problem-solvers and team players. They teach them to identify a problem, make a plan and get to work on it. The squabbling between siblings doesn’t fly because it doesn’t solve anything or move the family forward. Where are the Statesmen? All modern-day politicians are good at is pointing blame – it has to stop.
It is an embarrassment to see elected representatives, whether they are Republican or Democrat, posture and pout and point like youngsters on the playground. Parents should be appalled that this is the behavior their children see and hear discussed.
Looking back to see the role and lack of ethics and character has played in recent events from Enron to oil spills to the banking and lending collapse to the invasion of Iraq, proud Americans have to be red-faced with shame and parents should be worried.
It’s time for leaders to act like responsible adults to solve problems first then address blame and accountability. It’s time to make hard decisions that are just and right, not simply popular or that grease the hands and wheels of friends’ businesses and bankrolls.
There are so many examples of good, strong, decent leadership in the government, the businesses and the households in the South Side area; people who reach out to help one another succeed on a daily basis and in times of trial.
BP should be responsible for the oil spill and cleanup. America should be the resourceful problem-solvers we know ourselves to be and help stop it. It’s time to once again demonstrate to the world, and our children, why Americans can be proud.
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