The "teachable moment" aspect of the oil spill is:

[howard112211]

The statement that protection of the environment goes at the expense of the working class is false.

We hear this mantra by right wing spokespeople: "The uppity environmentalists don't care about the common folks. They will take away your livelyhoods to protect a couple of birds. They are not going to suffer from the loss of income if we stop offshore drilling / mining / nuclear power etc.."

As we clearly see now, what really destroys people's livelyhoods is when crude oil (or the extinction of species, for that matter) makes the coastlines of four states unfishable.

edit: I like to ask people the following question: "What do you think is better? Getting a 10 dollar check each month for the rest of your life, or getting a 100 dollar check once this month and that's all."

[tavalon]

1. There are many teachable moments within this disaster

So many, I think it could make up a whole teachable hour!

[Captain Hilts]

2. Yes! The president is a good teacher, he should seize the opportunity this moment offers. nt

[DailyGrind51]

3. An inadequately regulated "free market" did not prevent it!