Somewhere in the Air, USA -- I am on the way down to the Gulf Coast as I write (Delta has wifi!) to go out on the water in the Gulf tomorrow, and attempt to help clean up the Louisiana beaches impacted by the BP oil spill.
Joining us on the trip are Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols of One Tree Hill, the TV show. While they have the amazing ability to get nearly 20,000 twitter followers in just a few days, they are just like many of us -- angry about the spill, and wanting to help.
I say "attempt" to clean up as we continue to get reports of BP security detail stopping volunteers and residents from going on to the beaches in need of clean up, and even local police threatening arrest for trespassing to those driving around with their video cameras documenting what is going on.
It sounds crazy this is happening, on our public beaches and roads. Is it a corporate police state? I will know and understand more after tomorrow.
In the meantime, the other day I wrote a blog - Mr. President, BP's Fines Should Also Fund a Foundation to Help Hard-Working Gulf Coast Residents Toward a Cleaner, Greener Future - addressing the need to provide long term, independent support to help the Gulf Coast become the Green Coast.
I want to ask for your help. Please join we me in calling on President Obama to create the independent Gulf Coast Clean Energy and Healthy Communities Foundation.
And, while thousands of Americans are prevented from volunteering to help with clean up and rescuing wildlife, here are 12 small steps we can all take to do our part in response to the BP Oil Spill (we're calling it "12 Small Steps to an Oil Change.")
Some would say you would be doing more than Tony Hayward -- hope he enjoyed his yacht race.
Follow Matt Petersen on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mathew_petersen
President Obama should really think about going to Eglin AFB near Ft. Walton Beach FL for a month in August 2010 - where he can send a message to the rest of the world that the Gulf is open for business, and that he's bringing his family down to enjoy it's resources. Then folks might believe he has the best interest of the nation at heart, during our oil slick days down here on the gulf.
Should he go anywhere else but to the Gulf of Mexico - Americans will question his committment to our national grief. When the oil hole in the gulf is capped or plugged, then go back to Hawaii for a vacation.
Before it is capped, visit the gulf coast states and show an effort to relax here, as well on his working vacation.
See another green information on http://www.proalbania.org/
So while the effort to help Gulf Coast residents shape a greener future is commendable, don't expect too much support from the people you're trying to help.