We are facing a crisis of epic proportions in the aftermath of the disaster with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This comes at a time when we need to make a decision about the feasibility of off shore drilling in general. Did BP (the company behind the drilling) have adequate safety precautions in place? If not, why not?

In an article from 4/29/10 on AOL (under Daily Finance, written by Douglas McIntyre), there is an indication that the disaster could have been avoided if a remote control switch had been in place. Norway and Brazil require these switches be in place when drilling offshore in their waters. However, there are questions as to whether such a switch would have worked at that depth.

The spill is greater than anticipated, and is already affecting wild life and marine life, as well as businesses that deal with seafood. BP has taken responsibility, and stated that it would pay for the cost of cleanup. At this time, the U.S. Military is being called in to help. Why wasn’t this done sooner? Why was the material needed to assist with the cleanup stored clear up in Illinois?

The spill is reaching 5,000 barrels a day, and is past the point of being able to be burned off because the area is too large, and the resulting fire would be uncontrollable.

The impact is already being felt in the wetlands of Louisiana. The Audubon Nature Institute has its experts working to offer assistance with wildlife rehabilitation efforts. Information on how you can help can be accessed here - http://www.auduboninstitute.org/gulf-oil-spill-resources?gclid=CIn1-fjLuqECFQtSgwodcwES9Q.

This is a time for us to send prayers and healing light to this region and its inhabitants. To the marine life, the wild life, and the people living there, people who are losing their livelihoods. Together, we can help them get through this.