1. Why didn't BP immediately shut off the Deepwater Horizon well valve by permanently sealing it off with cement? Were fiscal considerations ever at stake with BP's decision to not do this?
2. In cementing off the leaking valve, are relief lines really necessary? Or is BP relying on these relief lines in order to preserve their future ability to draw more lucrative oil from the site?
3. Will BP be permitted by our government to draw oil from this site in the future? If so, perhaps BP could set up a sort of profit-sharing plan wherein all Deep Horizon claimants receive a percentage of all BP future proceeds made at this particular site. This would provide an incentive for BP and the local people to work more collaboratively.
4. The NYTimes reports that, "BP's operations are run by BP Holdings North America Inc. According to BP's annual report, this subsidiary has about $50billion in long term assets."
Thus, conveniently, BP is only liable up to $50 billion. But, what if damages--both individual and environmental--rise above $50 billion? Will President Obama and Congress enact legislation to make BP(the parent company) liable for damages above $50billion? (For example, after 9/11, the US government stepped in and capped liabilities for many corporations, entities, and municipalities. In the case of Deep Horizon and BP, why cant the US government step in and do the reverse--uncap liability? Has this been considered? Has BP(the parent company) in a sign of good will offered to raise its liability levels above $50billion?
5. How many other oil platforms are currently in use along the US coastlines? What--if anything--do the corporations who run these platforms do differently and more safely than BP? (Perhaps if BP has to pay for all of the damage created by its recklessness (and greed) in the Gulf, such "lessons learned" will inspire other corporations to behave more responsibly towards people and the environment going forward.
6. Has the US government appointed a Special Master to oversee the payment of funds from BP to Deep Horizon claimants? If not, then why not?
I'm no expert and regrettably, I have been tuned out lately from the news. But I am a concerned citizen and I would like these questions answered. If you agree, then please pass on this list so we can raise awareness and demand accountability. (And feel free to add any questions of your own.)
I have recently become aware of who you are and how wonderfully your activist skills have changed people's lives and hopefully have healed yours in some way. My heart goes out to you and your daughter and as much as I would like to image what it is like in your shoes .. I can't. I too have recently jumped on the "wagon" of activists for my own reasons. As a struggling single Mom, small business owner and NYS resident, I sought you out to ask you to write a blog on your thoughts on this: Building a Mosque near ground zero. Who really is the Codoban Initiative Organization and where is their money coming from?? My fears are simply this. Will it bring people closer together or separate them further? Is this freedom of religion or another slap in the face? I know how I feel .. but would like to hear you and your fans voices.I have done some of my own research that lead me to you. So many politicians are FOR this building and very few in the media are talking about this for fear of being labeled racist. Carl Paladino is clearly against this build and I happen to agree. It's just not the place or the time to heal the wounds of so many, I fear it will be a scab that won't heal. Thank you for being so strong and honest. Best to you and your family.
Alas, just as in the 1970's, we will likely fall back into our old habits. Only when we actually reach the peak oil barrier will we do what could have been done before. Fossil fuel is a real bargain as long as we are willing to ignore all the hidden costs for each gallon we burn.
Perhaps we (govt) need to take over this Deep Water Rig production and keep the proceeds to restore the Gulf and make the people hold. Just wondering....
BP must be made an example. There is nothing like a public hanging to focus the mind. Are you watching Shell and Exxon?
There can be no cap on liability. Countries have gone to war. We must not allow crony capitalism to destroy ( what is left) of the great American democratic republic experience.
Finally, President Obama MUST show laser like leadership and focus and bring an end to our fossil fuel folly. The Congress, at their peril can play politics. But this should become a main focus for the elections should the naysayers arise. This is about jobs in the long run.
Don't buy any more B.S. from Big Oil. They are plunderers. Idiot ones, at best. Their time is up.
When CEO's are marched out of courtrooms into the hands of bailiffs and handed orange jumpsuits to live in for the next few years, that's when you'll see the culture of these corporations change. The CEO's don't care about fines because the fines punish the company and the shareholders. The CEO's have contracts that ensure they'll still get paid a king's ransom regardless of their own culpability.
The DOJ is investigating but I fear your questions will not be answered. I fear this will be treated like the economic collapse. Our government will always protect these Masters of The Universe in order to cover up their own role in allowing the disaster to happen. Regardless of party, that's just how they roll.