Open Thread

“It’s BP’s fault and that’s it. Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Conoco all safely drill in deep water without any mishaps.”

No, just lucky so far, if they took the same cost-cutting shortcuts as BP did. Government made two mistakes — too much discretion to industry to decide what safety measures to take or not in constructing these rigs, and limitations on the liability downside that skewed the risk calculus. But BP definitely ignored best practices in constructing this thing and took a calculated risk that backfired. These were adopted or perpetuated in Bush II admin, which, of course, was notorious for letting the oil lobbyists take charge of writing all kinds of energy regs and policies.

And yes, I would prefer having government eyes overlooking what potentially oil-drenched seafood makes its way to our tables than to let that industry decide for itself what to pass off as safe, given the overwhelming incentive to minimize losses. Won’t be perfect, but better than letting foxes guard the henhouse.

Finally, yes, “bring it on” and “is our children learning” is sooooo much more presidential.

Pete, you shouldn’t be so critical of the Chinese. You should try one someday.

today’s NYTimes had article on how recent ‘discovery’ of how mineral rich Afghanistan is. Unlikely we will leave soon now — or Chinese will lock all up for themselves.
Possible way that country won’t be dependent on opium export forever.

my grandmother just called me and told me it’s 110 degrees down in south carolina and all the old people are dropping off like flies. i told her to just stay in the house.

*rob*