Okaloosa defies(BP/Coast Guard) Unified Command over East Pass plans

[Robbien]

Source: Destin biweekly

DESTIN — Okaloosa County isn’t taking oil spill orders any more.

County commissioners voted unanimously to give their emergency management team the power to take whatever action it deems necessary to prevent oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill from entering Choctawhatchee Bay through the East Pass.

That means the team, led by Public Safety Director Dino Villani, can take whatever action it sees fit to protect the pass without having its plans approved by state or federal authorities.

Commission chairman Wayne Harris said he and his fellow commissioners made their unanimous decision knowing full well they could be prosecuted for it.

“We made the decision legislatively to break the laws if necessary. We will do whatever it takes to protect our county’s waterways and we’re prepared to go to jail to do it,” he said.

Read more: http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/pass-30005-nwfdn-command-plans.html

---

Allowing BP to be in charge just insures the pollution will smother your community.

The Florida Keys are also not waiting on BP:
Bracing for Spill, Florida Keys Residents Plan Their Own Cleanup
<snip>

Now, facing the possibility that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill could arrive on its reefs and beaches in the coming weeks, many in the Florida Keys are once again angry about perceived fools and bureaucrats. In particular, they've watched how BP has monopolized and, in the eyes of many, mismanaged the oil cleanup in the northern Gulf of Mexico and are frantically trying to organize an independent local response.

"We cannot wait. We have to be prepared," says Dan Robey, whose website KeysSpill.com has gathered 4,000 volunteers, including 300 boat captains, who have offered to help before and after any potential arrival of oil. As Patrick Rice, dean of marine science and technology at Florida Keys Community College, puts it, "We will not allow the inept responses that have been happening up north to happen here."

But there's a problem with their plans for grass-roots activism: BP (and the Deepwater Horizon's Unified Command, which BP runs with the Coast Guard and other agencies) has so far insisted on complete control of the cleanup operations. A BP spokesman told TIME that the only appropriate way for interested boat captains to become involved would be to register with the Unified Command's Vessels of Opportunity program. Never mind that according to BP's numbers, only a third of the 7,200 boats "under contract" through the program are in active service. Robey says captains in the Keys haven't even been able to register. "It's a joke, a total joke," he says. "Our people have called them for over a month. They don't return phone calls." Uncertainty is another complicating factor. Locals want to start preparing now, even though it's unclear how much oil will arrive and in what form — sheen, plume, tar ball or all three. And BP and the Coast Guard won't start really organizing, or funding, a response yet. "The general feeling is that BP has been reluctant to support advanced preparation," says Laura Fox, owner of Danger Charters in Key West. "The Coast Guard's big party line is that until oil is imminent — within 72 hours — nothing is going to be done. That's not enough time to protect the 180 miles or more of shoreline that we have in the Keys."

So without waiting for protocol, the Keys are making preemptive strikes. A group called Adopt a Mangrove is assigning kayakers their own mangroves to clean if oil comes. Volunteers are monitoring shores throughout the islands for signs of oil. The Florida Keys Environmental Coalition formed to connect boat captains, scientists, environmental activists and various agencies. Fox coordinated a cleanup of Man Key, a mangrove island west of Key West (oil is easier to clean off a beach that is in good condition). "It was all women, actually," she says. "Thirteen women in kayaks, clenching knives in their teeth, cutting monofilament fishing line off the mangroves and clearing trash. We brought 35 bags of trash off the island."

more . . .

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1996441,00.html


One of the biggest errors made in this disaster is the practice of keeping volunteers away from helping. No one can help until BP allows it. And BP is not allowing it.

[dgibby]

1. Once again, one has to ask, Who's REALLY in charge here?

K&R!

[Angry Dragon]

2. The criminal is in charge

Not enough vile words to describe bp and their actions before and after the Ecocide that they have brought upon the Gulf.

They are murderers of men and animals, destroyers of livelihoods, purveyors of greed.

[City Lights]

10. And why is that?

Why, despite all that BP has done - or not done - has BP been left in charge? Why has the US government continued to allow BP to call the shots?

:wtf:

[Angry Dragon]

16. That is the question everyone is asking

The perception is that not enough is being done.
We do not know if everything that could be done is being done.
I feel that we will pay the price in many ways, including a lot of money.

[Capitalocracy]

57. And how do they have the authority to say who can or can't be on the beach?

I don't understand it at all. And why is the government allowing them to use that authority to keep reporters out?

This whole thing reeks.

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[flyarm]

78. That is what we in Fla have been asking and screaming about for almost 2 months!

and we get no answer!

But it is not just the beaches ..it is also the air we breathe and the media who try to report it!

[MJJP21]

89. Don't vote?

That would be almost impossible. BP like most corporations gives to both sides in important elections or important offices. They make sure they win all the time.

[Capitalocracy]

92. That's why it's a petition and a protest.

If enough people sign it, it will make politicians think twice about receiving funding from BP. That sends a very strong message and makes change possible. If the Democrats see their base organized to drop out from under them if they don't meet a demand, they're committing suicide if they don't. Are they that stupid? I don't know.

Sometimes you can make more of a difference by boycotting an election than by actually voting. Especially when both parties are exactly the same.

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[ljm2002]

72. I have read that BP provides 90% of oil for the US military.

So I suspect that is the reason, right there.

[howmad1]

88. Not to mention those monthly checks to the O'bama administration.

[polly7]

74. That's what I don't understand either ....... why BP has any say at all

apart from its own drilling site.

[Mojorabbit]

96. I am sure it is a lialility thing

That sludge is chock full of toxic chemicals. People without the proper training and even those with, are going to have some problems down the road. Happened after the Exxon spill.

That does not however explain why the preventative actions are not being coordinated with the state and local officials to get ready ahead of time. Florida esp has a wonderful system in place due to hurricane season each year. Networks all over the place. It amazes me it has come to this but I am glad they are telling the feds to go to hell.

[GOTV]

30. Wow - just like with the economy

can the same be said of healthcare?

Maybe there's a pattern here.

[cliffordu]

52. I'd like to know what kind of car you drive.

who trucks your food to the local supermarket.

We are to blame. Period.

They are just the messengers.

[truedelphi]

56. Uh, given the history of alt energy in this country I would say

And this is a polite way of saying it - you are very very wrong.



When the first big push for solar was going ahead, and it became obvious to all the main construction and architectural firms in places where adequate sunlight was available, that people of means wanted solar, Reagan took away the tax credits.

When people signed up and drove the electric cars, the car manufacturer forced those people to give the cars back and then they smashed the cars up.

We take the excess money available for our economy (about six percent a year, 1980 to 1990, now around 15% a year) and use that money to equip our Federal government and DOD with the most powerful army and military available. Our military has more power, more armanents and uses more resources than the combined armies of the next three biggest nations on earth.

Whereas cars were getting 41 mpg way back in 1979 to 1982, for some mysterious reason, the car manufacturers now brag if the cars they sell us get 36 mpg.

So please do not buy into the notion that "We" did this.

This was done UNTO us.

[Capitalocracy]

58. Maybe we should take a cue from Okaloosa

and implement green technology whether they like it or not. I wonder if you could make a case for "fair use" of patented technology if you were running a non-profit conversion shop?

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[truedelphi]

61. Sounds good to me. n/t

[cliffordu]

75. Still, no answer to an honest question....

[Hardrada]

95. Yes, strongly agree that collective guilt stuff is pure BS

and believed in too easily by the gullible.

[Angry Dragon]

81. Yes.we do use a lot of oil

So it is okay in the course of business to put your workers and the environment in jeopardy??

To cut corners on safety?? If people die, just another day.

If people buy your product do you have the right to put their lives in danger??

[cliffordu]

94. Our collective addiction to oil is what's killing us.

It is NOT a safe or clean or green product and will kill us all if used correctly in enough quantity.


If we didn't need it soooo bad, they wouldn't be able to cut corners and make their own rules.

Period.

[truedelphi]

99. Quite interesting that when the Oil Execs met before the House Committee on Energy

yesterday, one of the House members, a Dem. from Texas, was mentioning how strong the regulations are in Norway.

Norway not only has oil rigs all over the place, in deep water, they also have very cold temperatures. Yet their response to spills and their overall safety record is admirable.

Why we are not following their example, I don't know.

[shireen]

3. i want to do something to help them

remotely. Even if it's a donation or to help gather supplies to mail to them.

It's our opportunity to do something to help!

[Robbien]

29. What BP Won’t Be Paying For — And How You Can Help

We at the Gulf Coast Fund have noticed people asking why they should support nonprofit organizations responding to the BP oil drilling disaster when, as they say "Isn't BP supposed to be paying for this mess?"

Yes. BP should and will pay. There is no way of knowing when and how (Exxon-Valdez is a case in point. Exxon/Mobil has still paid only a fraction of what they had promised).

But one thing we do know is that what BP will eventually pay will in no way address the full costs of this disaster.

First, BP is not funding organizations. BP is addressing individual small claims with checks. BP is hiring individual fishermen to do clean-up tasks. BP is not providing doctors to help those fishermen coming back to their houses coughing up blood. BP is not giving out respirators because BP does not want to acknowledge the toxic quality of the dispersants and the oil. BP needs to minimize the financial impact for its shareholders. For whose interest does BP work? Therein lies the problem.

An independent source of income is necessary to ensure that independent voices are supported. How do we know that the clean up is being conducted in a way that is safe for residents in living in the affected areas all along the Gulf Coast? How can we be sure that the materials being used are safe? How can we be sure that BP is providing safety gear and respirators to the clean-up workers? Is BP funding the watchdogs? Is BP funding small community groups that have a vested interest in a healthy gulf? Is BP funding monitoring activities of BP's own efforts to address the disaster? It is inherently impossible for the perpetrator to monitor itself. It is inherently impossible for government to monitor itself. That's why we need to support NGOs and independent advocacy organizations. That's why we need to support community-based organizations on the ground in the Gulf made up of people who have lived there for generations and even centuries, and thus know their physical environment better than anyone else, even BP, possibly could.

In order to ensure that information is accurate, best practice dictates that independently-verified and substantiated data be used. That can only be made possible with independent private dollars.

Of course BP should be held accountable to the greatest degree possible. Of course BP should pay. How can you commence class-action litigation to cover the full impacts of this disaster which have YET to unfold and will unfold for generations? And, if past history is any indication, settlement funds no matter how big will never cover the full cost.

The federal government must also be held accountable for the weakened regulations that caused the disaster and forced to strengthen oversight of the oil industry. Federal clean-up responses must also be carefully monitored by independent sources. BP will not pay for this advocacy or monitoring.

We have seen that BP is willing to invest millions on full-page ads and PR campaigns. They are even willing to attempt to buy control of information available to the public. There seems to be no limit to what they will pay to try to cover up this disaster.

What BP will not pay for is ensuring that the Gulf ecosystem is restored. BP will not pay to ensure that communities are defended and made whole again. BP will not pay for advocacy and organizing to lessen our dependence on oil. BP will not pay for work to move us toward a clean energy future, pass climate change legislations and advocate greater public and private investments in renewable energy to ensure this never happens again. None of these are in BP's self-interest.

The money that NRDC and the Gulf Coast Fund are raising is not going to pay individual fishermen to wipe marsh grass or lay down boom. The money that NRDC raises is going to go to groups that have a long-term vested interest in the affected communities and that will be working on the human (economic, cultural, psychological, emotional) AND environmental consequences of this disaster for LONG after BP leaves the Gulf.

The money that we are raising now will ensure that groups in Gulf Coast communities have the financial and moral support to not despair and continue to monitor, advocate, protect, speak up and not give up hope.

http://www.tonic.com/article/what-bp-wont-be-paying-for-and-how-you-can-help/

This is a good one to look into if you are interested.

[Toasterlad]

4. Good For Them.

If BP and the federal government are too inept to handle this disaster (as they've been proving for over a month), then the local folk who'll be directly affected by this shit should have the right to take action. Fuck BP's "Unified Command".

[bertman]

5. I applaud these brave souls for their action. However, this is just what BP wants.

They would love to have local jurisdictions do what BP under the direction of our federal government should be doing right now.

The sad part is that NO ONE is in charge. But apparently President Obama is going to TALK about it tonight.

Day late. Dollar short.

[shireen]

7. yeah, i'm sick to my stomach about it too ....

I've held back donating to Audubon and other groups rescuing wildlife because i thought BP was financing their operations. Now I'm not so sure anymore.

[mojavekid]

27. Well Said. n/t

[shireen]

6. i emailed Dan Robey

to ask how we can help. If i hear something, i'll post it on DU.

:mad:

[shireen]

12. just heard back from him ...

a donation link will be set up at http://www.keysspill.com/
He said Monday, but i'll check back every day and if it's up earlier, i'll post the link in DU.

[FailureToCommunicate]

8. "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness,

and others have greatness thrust upon them."

We salute you, smart folks of Okaloosa County!

AND the thirteen women in kayaks.


Thanks for posting this, Robbien.

[florida08]

9. so BP is still in charge

This goes against the grain to allow a corrupt oil company to make life altering decisions when their concern is only their bottom line. They're not the government and IF this government intervenes while people are trying to defend their shores from an onslaught
of destruction they will be held accountable by the people of the Gulf. Senators should absolutely get behind their constituents.

[Divernan]

11. When the oil reaches the Keys, hope these folks don't get sprayed by BP

with the toxic "oil dispersants" sprayed by helicopters on Louisiana locals who were "officially" out on the water trying to contain the oil. What a clusterf**k!

You're either part of the problem or part of the solution. From day one, BP has been focused solely on "solving" the problem in a manner which lets them continue to recover oil for their profits.

Do not anyone EVER forget that this whole catastrophe is the direct result of deregulating the oil industry (a big tip of the hat to Dick Chaney and his secret energy meetings, and to George W. "I am the Oil President" Bush), as well as letting the industry know that what weak regulations remained in place would be waived and/or unenforced for continued campaign contributions.

I say, go for it, locals. Just keep records of every minute of labor you put in, and every penny you spend on equipment, materials, etc., and then file one hell of a suit to collect your costs from BP. Also, document/video record the situation before you clean up as further proof.

[HooptieWagon]

13. good point.

Maybe they should arrange for some air cover and anti-aircraft fire power.

[earcandle]

28. Not to mention the Goldman Sach Bet that allowed Halliburton to intentionally cause this.

[wordpix]

40. huh? link?

[earcandle]

98. Here are some links

1.
Goldman Sachs Bets Against Oil Rig in Gulf of Mexico; Haliburton ...
Jun 9, 2010 ... Goldman Sachs Bets Against Oil Rig in Gulf of Mexico; Haliburton is ... disaster caused by an explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig, ...
maya12-21-2012.com/.../goldman-sachs-bets...oil-rig.../15/ - Cached
2.
Goldman Sachs Shorted Gulf Of Mexico One Day Before Oil Rig Accident
May 4, 2010 ... The news about Goldman's bet against the Gulf comes on the heels of ... After the April 20 oil rig explosion, which killed 11 people, ...
cromalternativemoney.org/.../goldman-sachs-shorted-gulf-of-mexico-one-day-before-oil-rig-accident.html - Cached
3.
Goldman Sachs/ Oil Rig Explosion Connection INTENTIONAL : Off-Topic
2 posts - 1 author - Last post: May 3
Goldman Sachs Reveals it Shorted Gulf of Mexico Andy Borowitz The ... admitted today that it made "a substantial financial bet against the Gulf of ... "One oil rig goes down and we're going to be rolling in dough," Mr. ...
www.disclose.tv/.../goldman-sachs-oil-rig-explosion-connection-intentional-t21333.html - Cached
Get more discussion results
4.
theufologynetwork.freeforum.ca • View topic - Goldman Sachs and ...
2 posts - 1 author - Last post: May 3
Goldman Sachs Reveals it Shorted Gulf of Mexico Andy Borowitz ... today that it made "a substantial financial bet against the Gulf of Mexico" ... "One oil rig goes down and we're going to be rolling in dough," Mr. Tourre ...
theufologynetwork.freeforum.ca/goldman-sachs-and-the-oil-rig-explosion-dot-intentional-vt905.html - Cached
Get more discussion results
5.
Goldman Sachs shorted "Gulf of Mexico" days before rig explosion ...
Jun 2, 2010 ... "One oil rig goes down and we're going to be rolling in dough," Mr. ..... Goldman Sachs made some bets that would reap them profits if the ...
www.vnnforum.com/showthread.php?p=1139567 - Cached
6.
“Goldman Sachs shorted the Gulf of Mexico one day before the oil ...
May 16, 2010 ... Follow The Money said: “Goldman Sachs shorted the Gulf of Mexico one day before the oil rig explosion”..satire joke becomes reality? ...
seeker401.wordpress.com/.../goldman-sachs-shorted-the-gulf-of-mexico-one-day-before-the-oil-rig-explosion-satire-joke-becomes-reality/ - Cached
7.
Goldman Sachs Short Gulf of Mexico One Day Before Rig Explosion ...
10 posts - 5 authors - Last post: May 4
Andy Borowitz: Goldman Sachs Reveals it Shorted Gulf of Mexico Goldman ... Mexico" one day before the sinking of an oil rig in that body of water. ... The news about Goldman's bet against the Gulf comes on the heels of ...
www.stormfront.org/forum/t705579/ - Cached
Get more discussion results
8.
Louisiana Drilling Rig Overturns: Accident At Mobile Inland ...
Apr 30, 2010 ... (AP / Huffington Post)— Officials say an oil drilling rig on its way to ... BP, Goldman Sachs and Sarah Palin all have a penchant for big bucks, ... do you think is made from petroleum products? I bet it's at least 25% ...
www.huffingtonpost.com/.../louisiana-drilling-rig-ov_n_559221.html - Cached
9.
Was the Gulf Oil Rig Explosion a Deliberate - Dakota Voice
In light of the recent oil rig explosion and subsequent oil flow into the Gulf of .... I'll bet you dollars to donuts that before BP accepts liability it will ..... when corporations operate fast and loose like BP and Goldman Sachs? ...
www.dakotavoice.com/.../was-the-gulf-oil-rig-explosion-a-deliberate-attack-on-america/ - 41 minutes ago - Cached
10.
Attorney: Deepwater Horizon Managers Knew About Oil Rig Problem ...
Jun 5, 2010 ... The blowout preventer failed following the explosion on the rig, ... Goldman Sachs dumped 44% of its shares in BP Oil during the first quarter of ... You can bet you ass that if they sold all or most of their BP shares ...
www.prisonplanet.com/attorney-deepwater-horizon-managers-knew-about-oil-rig-problem-before-explosion.html - Cached

[Titanothere]

60. You mean like Obama's BP contributions? Double what GWB ever got

Explains his delayed response maybe?

[Voice for Peace]

14. yay yay yay

much success to them. this story brings tears (of hope) to my eyes.

[pasto76]

The Nation Response Framework pushes Incident Command down to the lowest level

so this has some weight behind it. However, when they decide that they are overwhelmed or have exhausted their resources, this may come back to bite them.

SGT PASTO

[Gregin Orlando]

15. This is worse than we are being told

There may be more of a threat from the air than the water in the Gulf. The far-reaching implications of this disaster have barely been touched upon by the corporate media. While the threat to wildlife and the economy have been mentioned, few outlets have mentioned the health risks to Gulf coast residents from breathing in toxic fumes when the oil hits shore. There are unconfirmed rumors that FEMA has been quietly discussing evacuation plans to clear the shores as far as 200 miles inland if the air becomes unfit to breathe. For more information, check out this article and others by this author: http://www.examiner.com/x-38220-Orlando-Independent-Examiner~y2010m6d15-Toxins-in-air-from-evaporating-oil-may-pose-greater-threat-to-Gulf-residents-than-oily-water

[mikita]

18. we were just discussing the possibilities of toxic rain yesterday

and it looks like that's not an odd thought....

thanks for this article.

[Jaye52]

17. This is good news

Folks in the Keys are a different breed. They are tough and will do whatever it takes to defend their coastlines.

Florida will be getting our tourist dollars in September. Anyone out there who is canceling a trip, please reconsider. FL's economy depends so much on tourist's $$$$!

[1monster]

41. Florida's economy is already suffering from this even though the oil has not

yet hit Florida's Gulf Coast beaches.

In Northeast Florida, tourists have told us that they came to the Atlantic Coast because they were afraid that the Gulf Coast beaches would be fouled while they were there. While that may seem good for NE Florida, it is not. Many people are avoiding Florida altogether, anything that hurts one part of Florida will also impact on Florida as a whole. And things have been bad here for quite a while.

[secondwind]

19. anyone interested in volunteering just needs to go to Google. There are a passle

of sites there for people who want to help.

[L0oniX]

20. Why don't the states affected declare a state of emergency?

Why not declare the oil spill effects the disaster that it is?

[Robbien]

31. Some have

But declaring a state of emergency just gets citizens access to low cost federal loans.

[Peace Patriot]

21. "Thirteen women in kayaks, clenching knives in their teeth...". WOW! What a great image!

"Thirteen women in kayaks, clenching knives in their teeth, cutting monofilament fishing line off the mangroves and clearing trash."

I sure hope somebody got a photo. What a great ikon for citizen participation, democracy, our "can do" attitude and rebellion against corporate rule--not to mention being a "poster child" moment for women's liberation!

I do love these local revolts against BP! There is LIFE in our democracy, believe me. It may take disaster to bring it out, but it's THERE.

[wackywaggin]

22. While BP and Government officials are figuring out how to make a profit

all the paople of the southern staes are suffering in anguish. I agree with the city counsel, enough is enough.

STAND UP OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!

Heretic Wack

[ensho]

23. kick

nt

[eowyn_of_rohan]

24. Will the Revolution start here?

let it be so.

[Greybnk48]

44. I sure hope so, and I don't mean against President Obama.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

71. I sure don't mean against him either n/t

[nashville_brook]

25. hell yeah. this is the only reasonable response.

[Are_grits_groceries]

26. To BP and the CG:

[polichick]

32. Some in Alabama are doing this too - why in the hell should they listen to criminals?! nt

[wordpix]

42. or to their "everything's fine and dandy, come spend money" governors?

[gulfbreeze]

33. If they want a chance to avoid it, they better take over

Here on Pensacola Beach, they have done nothing in the gulf to help stop the oil from coming in! The booms are nothing more than bones being thrown by BP to keep everyone preoccupied. Pres Obama just spoke about a huge number of vessels off our shores working to help keep it out of our bays and off our beaches. It's just not true. They have NOT been here. There are people picking up tar balls. There have been some local boats hired to stay on the look-out. We grew up in the charter fishing industry here and know all of the Captains personally. One, who's been off shore for about 2 weeks, says his job is to site oil in the gulf, call it in, and stay with it until clean-up crews arrive. They never arrive. ever. My husband was driving home for lunch yesterday and while crossing the bay bridge, he saw the oil in the bay. No one is talking about it. I'm really upset with Obama's speech this morning. It was patronizing, placating, and not true. I drove people to the polls to vote for him. Last night I saw where BP is finally purchasing some of Costner's oil spill clean-up machines and a glimmer of hope returned. But upon hearing Obama not telling the truth, and almost avoiding addressing any of the dire issues, that glimmer is doused. My husband's been saying we need General Honore' here and last night saw him with a plan on cnn.

[jody]

85. Please post your on-site observations on every DU thread about the BP disaster. Obama and the press

are not stating all the facts.

[gulfbreeze]

91. And how about that speech tonight?

He's lost his mind.

[jody]

93. Agree 100%. I'll be visiting my grandsons in Mobile this weekend. n/t

[JDPriestly]

34. BP, Halliburton and Deepwater Horizon are trying to limit two things:

1) liability. This is dangerous work. BP, Halliburton and Deepwater Horizon want to limit their liability for the injuries that volunteers may suffer. Money, money, money.

2) dissemination of information about the extent and horror of the spill. The more volunteers are involved, the more people will know about what is going on. BP, Halliburton and Deepwater Horizon don't want the world to know what they have done.

And all of this equals, BP, Halliburton and Deepwater Horizon want the U.S. taxpayers to bear the burden for these losses as much as possible, and they don't want rumors and panic to spread.

Should Okaloosa County organize to defend itself anyway. Of course. That's the American way.

That's what all these communities should do.

We have fires out here in Southern California. Last year, after the fire, we went for a walk in a place where we had often gone for walks. It was at the outskirts of the fireline. There was, of course, a barrier so that we could not enter part of the area. We could, however, walk on a path around the area and see how burning had been done to prevent the fire from reaching homes.

While there, we met one of the homeowners who lived next to the path on which we were walking. His house would have been one of the first to go. He explained how the neighborhood had organized to check the roofs for signs that embers were landing on them. The neighbors all volunteered. The neighborhood survived unscathed. The local people have to take charge. They are the only ones close enough to see what needs to be done right in their community.

BP is wrong about letting volunteers participate. BP should put money into escrow as Obama has suggested and not be involved at all in deciding who will be compensated for injuries or why. That would permit communities to organize themselves. BP would have no say.

My only concern is that Obama will not make BP put enough money into the escrow account. Obama is such a tool of the corporations and not very strong in negotiations with them. That is my only concern.

[intheflow]

47. Point #2 is exactly right!

It's not so much that they don't want volunteers to help with the cleanup, it's much more that they don't want witnesses to the destruction.

[JDPriestly]

53. A little of both. I do not dispute your opinion. They are really terrified.

They have loosed an apocalypse. I haven't heard what the Fundamentalists are saying about this. Should be interesting.

[Titanothere]

62. some quick prophecys from google (Rev)

Revelation 16:3 - And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

[truedelphi]

63. Obama could sign one Executive Order and the escrow

matter would no longer be a "suggestion." It would be law.

I for one am sick of this style of Presidency - suggestions and scoldings.

If some fair minded citizen refuses to take his shoes off at the airport, Homeland Security would be over him like a bulimic over a toilet.

We need a new style of looking at reality - one that make of the fact that Corporate Destruction of the ecology is as big or bigger offense than "terrorism."

Mr President, either stand with us and make law that supports We the People, or continue to stand with Corporate America and watch your empire face the wrath of the many citizens who understand who you really work for.

[hfojvt]

35. a coincidence, but this made me jump

I was just emailing somebody about meeting them in Oskaloosa, KS and then I see an article here about Okaloosa.

Busy, busy, busy.

[Kermitt Gribble]

36. Hooray for the Okaloosa County Commissioners!

There have been various meetings to organize volunteers here (Pinellas County, FL). When the time comes, I hope our local govts have the courage to stand up like those in Okaloosa County.

[FLPanhandle]

65. Get involved now.

Go to the meetings. Volunteer on the committees. Get to know the commissioners.

It worked here, it'll work in Pinellas County.

[Kermitt Gribble]

90. I plan to.

They just had a meeting in Madeira Beach to volunteer with the Merchant Marines. I didn't know about it until after, but I will be at the next one. Glad to hear you're able to make a difference.

[lonestarnot]

37. K & R!

[1monster]

38. This is the American Way. Throw the thrice damned BSBP OUT!

As I've suggested before: Freeze any and all of BP's assets and holdings in the US and of any of its holdings; nationalize any of BP's assets and holdings in the US and any of its holdings. Use any and all of the assets and holdings formerly held by BP to hire or design and build the most effective means of stopping the oil gusher and the leaks seeping up through the sand and to hire the most knowledgeable, inspired and innovative experts in the world to stop the oil from gushing, seeping, and otherwise entering the Gulf, prevent the spreading of the oil, and to clean up the toxic soup of oil, chemical, and dispersants in the Gulf.

Then file whatever charges are appropriate against BP and put them on trial.

In order to prevent future disasters, laws should be passed and enforced for the most stringent safety procedures. Inspectors should be assigned to each rig and rotated between and among rigs and companies to enforce the safety measures. No more drilling permits to be issued to any company/corporation/individual. Companies/Corporations/Individuals who have drilling permits but who have not yet started drilling should lose them. Any violations of the safety laws would result in immediate confiscation of the rig(s) and complete shut down of the rig(s).

Any companys/corporations/individuals pay a large assessment for each drilling platform, oil rig, pipeline, or whatever in order to create a superfund to enforce, stop, and clean up any problem associated with the industry.

Any company/corporation/individual violates the safety regulation more than a certain number of times (depending on the severity of the regulations) would be subject to seizure of assets up to and including all holdings in the US, its holdings and territories.

[wordpix]

39. same joke that's played on bird rescue specialists-they offer services, BP doesn't call

FUCK THEM, do what you need to do and let BP pay the bills. If they won't, sue their asses. :grr:

More trying to hide the evidence, which is why we respect this company so in its dire time :sarcasm:

[Greybnk48]

43. Well, if they're all white Christians they won't be held accountable

at least that's what Congress and the Supreme Court have taught us over the past decade so fuck yeah, break the law. I'm not kidding. Why should the commoners have to toe the line when the gentry flaunts all rules. It's time to disobey.

[FLPanhandle]

45. This has been coming for a long time in Okaloosa county

The commissioners (one is a good friend of mine) are pissed off.

Any idea has to be run through BP first. The government and Coast Guard have no real authority to make decisions, only BP.

BP's final plan for our area was a piece of shit line of boom across a small pass leading into a large bay with a delicate ecosystem. That was final straw.

We'll never get reimbursed for the extra expense and the Coast Guard may actively try to stop us, but everyone here is willing to fight for our environment.

[FLPanhandle]

46. This is our bay.

Large bay; one small pass to the Gulf. A dedicated serious fight in one small area could save the entire bay's ecosystem. We've talked about filling into the pass (with a drainage pipe to be opened on outgoing tides) as a last ditch effort too.

[wackywaggin]

55. You know BP won't do anything to help you because it

won't produce a profit for them and the oligarchy. I applaud this city counsel and agree completely with them

IT'S TIME TO STAND UP OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!

Heretic Wack

[valerief]

48. And BP still wins, because they won't have to pay for it. nt

[cap]

49. those people are going to get sick

if they aren't being trained and properly suited... same as what happened to 9/11 volunteers at Ground Zero.

I really don't know what to tell them.

What a mess...

[FLPanhandle]

54. No more sick than letting it wash up on near people homes

Many of us are not willing to sit around and watch this destroy our bay. If it means risking getting sick or being prosecuted, it's worth it.

[Capitalocracy]

59. I know, they need to be wearing respirators

and doing so on camera to set an example.

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[fl_dem]

50. I am so proud of my county!!!

:headbang:
I don't get to say that very often being that this is a predominately republican county.

I am so glad they stood up and are doing what ever it takes toprotect our waterways, BP has proven that are ineffective in stopping the leak and the landfall.

[AllyCat]

51. So people are finally getting smart and getting the torches and pitchforks

I'm sure there will be repercussions against them from the rulers of this country and possibly even from our elected officials.

But I stand in solidarity with the people who are fighting this.

[freespeechtv]

64. So glad local gov'ts finally taking control. The rest of us need to rally against more multinational

corporate lunacy! Support the anti-G20 summit rallies, go to the US Social Forum in Detroit (http://www.ussf2010.org), participate in either one virtually by organizing local rallies. Stay informed by watching media coverage from http://www.submedia.tv which will be covering the G20 protest live and http://www.freespeech.org which will be covering the USSF event live.

[Bo]

66. Obama needed to take charge, not criminals,goodbye reelection

Stick a fork in the poor bastard he´s done.

[Capitalocracy]

67. I'm inclined to agree

but I'm afraid that whatever the Republicans offer up is going to make Obama seem appealing, even though he's basically a center-right Republican himself.

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[Bo]

68. Obama is a LAME DUCK Pres. right now. It is FUBAR Gulf

To bad, he could have done some great things. But he allowed CRIMINALS to keep operating. People will not vote for this man again. Let´s be real. Hes gone in 2012.

[Capitalocracy]

69. And the lesson the DLC will take home

is that we need to go further right, sure as the pope wears a funny hat. :patriot:

BP STANDS FOR BALLOT POISON

Pledge not to vote for any candidates receiving campaign donations from BP in 2010.

Petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bp2010/petition.html



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113423272036102

Twitter: @bpballotpoison

[jody]

70. If a president has the authority to invade an innocent country then she/he has the authority to take

command of all efforts to stop the BP oil disaster and expedite clean up efforts.

Obama needs to quit looking for someone to blame and concentrate on the problem.

[tsuki]

73. Came over the bridge at the East Pass. They need to close it.

Boats are going in and out. The boons are placed inside the pass to protect the beach, not the bay.

[lsewpershad]

76. "bout time someone did.

[flyarm]

77. In other Breaking news: Obama appoints Charles Manson to investigate Sharon Tate murder! eom

[flyarm]

79. Breaking news 35,00-60,000 barrels a day of oil continuing to flow into the Gulf Of Mexico

according to Government study estimates.

[wackywaggin]

84. And we don't have to worry about paying for it!!

That's why gas jumped .20 cents a gallon between last night and today. No, it won't come out of your pocket, all the government rats are saying while they are jumping ship! They don't pay for their own gasoline for their vehicles either, so who cares about you and me?

TIME TO STAND UP OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!

Heretic Wack

[democrank]

80. K & R

[BrklynLiberal]

82. Grassroots can win!!

[northernlights]

83. they should log *every* penny and *every* minute they spend

and send the bill to BP. And be prepared to sue to collect. What's to stop them?

[katty]

86. good for them-just TAKE CHARGE-PLEASE!

[annabanana]

87. Three Cheers for those who are willing to what must be done.

They have my support until "our own" government steps up to the plate in a real and tangible way.

[inna]

97. late K&R

[Baclava]

100. *Update* - the oil has arrived on the beach

OIL SPOTTED NEAR THE PASS: City Council to hold special meeting this morning as county struggles to close pass

June 17

8 A.M. UPDATE: Tar balls are heavily concentrated on the stretch of Okaloosa Island near the pier, both on the beach and in the waters just off shore, according to visual reports Thursday morning.

The city of Destin issued the following warning on its website, "Oil product has been spotted near East Pass. The Coast Guard and other BP resources have been notified and are being deployed ASAP to the area."

Oil slick 3-5 miles out.







http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/okaloosa-14190-oil-teams.html


What used to be...