Except for the occasional anecdotal report by a DU'er, nothing I read here about the Gulf disaster

[Atticus]

is worthy of belief.

It seems clear that our government has pretty much decided to let BP and their shills determine what we're told about the oil gusher polluting our seas and our shores.

We see what they let us see.

We are told what they absolutely have to admit or can get away with inventing.

They feed figures---flow rates and such---to the Coast Guard and, as soon as the Coast Guard releases the figures, then quotes them as "Government figures".

Current "government figures" tell us the well is gushing 19,000 barrels of crude per day. BP says the recently installed "cap" is capturing 10,000 barrels per day. BP's CEO, Tony Hayward, characterizes this as "capturing the vast majority of the leaked oil".

Surely---please---SURELY we have someone in the upper echelons of our elected government who has the integrity and the spine to look Mr. Hayward in the eye and say something like: "'vast majority' my ASS!" followed by:

"Sir, and I use that appellation very loosely, you are finished. Clean out your desk and two US Marshals will escort you from the building within the hour. BP's American operations and all assets located within our boundaries or our control will be, until further order, operated by a receiver appointed by the US Attorney General and approved by the US Senate. The assets will be held in trust for and operated for the overriding purpose of compensating all persons and local government damaged by your incompetence and greed. Once all such claims have been fully satisfied, the remaining assets and funds will revert to BP and its shareholders.

In keeping with the above, no dividend will be paid and any and all employment contracts exceeding $250,000 per year will be declared null and void. Attempts will be made to renegotiate reasonable compensation for personnel deemed necessary to the effective and efficient operation of the assets. If agreement cannot be reached with American citizens now employed as managers for BP, we would consider drafting said individuals into the US Army and deploying them in their prior positions 'for the duration'.

While these may seem like drastic measures, they seem to us necessary and appropriate in view of the nature and scope of the unprecedented disaster BP, under your leadership, has brought to our shores and the world's oceans.

Your bank accounts are being frozen. You may not access any computers or take any documents with you. Your passport has been revoked and you are advised to consult counsel soon.

You are excused. We'll be in touch."

[Odin2005]

1. +1,000

[Individualist]

2. K&R