Obama's Katrina

It's day 45 of the oil spill. Shooting a bunch of garbage into the leaking pipe failed. Go figure. And that was plan...E? Now, BP is using underwater robots to repair the leak. Is it just me, or does anyone else think that using underwater robots should've been closer to the top in terms of solutions?

Let me preface my next couple of paragraphs with a warning. Yes, I am a diehard Barack Obama fan. However, I'm not so blinded by admiration that I can't admit his faults. With that said, here's my take on why Barack Obama is damned no matter what he does:

First and foremost, we're taking private industry vs. the federal government. No matter what Obama does in this situation, Republicans are SURE to blame him. Obama can a) Get the federal government involved and use taxpayer money and federal resources to fix the spill b) Condemn BP, but ultimately leave the damages and responsibility with them, or c) Introduce sweeping legislation to stop offshore drilling and make sure that the liability for these types of disasters lie with corporations.

Let's see here. If we go with option one, Obama will be accused of being a socialist for the ump-teenth time by the Republican Party. Not only that, but it's against capitalist and American nature for the federal government to interfere in private industry. I mean, isn't that kind of the point of a free market? Private industry is left alone?

If we go with option two, Obama will be blamed for not doing enough. How can he sit by and watch our Gulf coast be ruined by the big bad corporation? He should be out there everyday making sure these guys are accountable, right?

If we go with third, the Republicans will yet again take issue with Obama's leadership. Even now, the words, 'liability cap' are floating around the Senate and the House. "Accidents happen" is a phrase that has come out of the mouths of some of today's leading GOP leaders. BP shouldn't go bankrupt because of the biggest oil spill known to man! Cut them a break!

Personally, I think Obama is doing what he can. He's treading lightly and avoiding stepping on toes. Friday will mark his third visit to the Gulf. He's held as many press conferences that can be offered without looking desperate. He issues a moratorium on offshore drilling. He sent down the National Guard. He's doing all he can without interfering in private industry.

My one criticism of Obama, and one that should be learned from Katrina: Show. more. anger.

This oil spill has released 45 million gallons of oil into our waters. People's livelihoods have been destroyed, not to mention, 11 men were killed when the leak initially happened. Tourism, aquatic and animal life, and state and federal dollars have been poured into a situation that was cause be a private (and extremely wealthy) corporation.

So, Obama, be angry. I know you're Mister Nice Guy, but after The CEO of BP exclaimed, "I want my life back", don't you realize what kind of idiots you're dealing with?

What took me so long?

Honestly, the idea for a political blog should have come long ago. I love talking about politics. I love American history. And I love telling other people interesting facts I've learned along the way. These things combined make for pretty great blog fodder. What I probably should have realized is that not everyone loves these things. Inundating my friend's Facebook newsfeeds with newspaper articles and my political musings was probably more of a nuisance than a help.

So, here I am. I'm a senior at Northeastern University and I'm looking for that perfect political job. One that combines politics with real change. Maybe I'm idealistic. I don't know. But at least I have this blog to document my journey and share with you what's on my mind.

Wish me luck.