An impossible response to an impossible problem

[JDPriestly]

When a president dies, we have a national day of mourning.

After 9/11, no plane was allowed to fly for a couple of days.

I suggest that, in response to this oil spill, we declare a day of no driving. We simply stop the cars and buses for one day. Only emergency vehicles may be driven. If food needs to be transported, OK. But no toys, no electronic gear, nothing we don't really need. All gas stations close except for emergency transport.

I know you are thinking that will never work.

OK then. How about we have a walk to work day. No matter where you work, you have to either walk or ride a bicycle. We could also let people ride buses. No shopping allowed. Just close all stores except for the purchase of groceries and medical supplies.

That won't work either? Too much sacrifice?

Well, then maybe it would be enough to just have a "Think about walking or riding a bike today." Americans could just contemplate life without the oil-eating engine. We could all write essays on "My Life Without Big Oil."

Do you think Americans are up to at least writing an essay on "My Life Without Big Oil"?

When it comes to this oil spill, I see a lot of finger-pointing at BP here on DU. I'm pointing mine at them too. They are clearly responsible for the leak.

But, I'm responsible for my own dependency on oil. And so are you. We all are. We all need to rethink our reliance on our automobiles. If you live too far from work or the store to get there without driving, then maybe you need to move or talk to your boss about telecommuting some days. We have to change our lifestyles. We have to live locally until we get some way to run our cars without gasoline.

[Go2Peace]

1. You are right. That kind of "leadership" is what we need

*and* ultimately what would have more political power.

But I don't think we will see it.

[JDPriestly]

2. This is our environmental 9/11.

Love Canal was the first. This is the second. We need to respond appropriately. Where is Obama on this?

[depakid]

5. Engineering failures have happened in Louisiana before

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Peigneur

And there's not much the Obama administration can do once shit like this starts happening. I mean really- we can all stomp and holler- and yes, many things could be done differently and better. In hindsight.

Bottom line though is that steps weren't taken- foreseeable steps- that could have prevented this whole deal in the first place.

Spilt milk at this point for the Gulf- but the same pattern's been playing out in other areas- in Congress and with other agencies.

[WinkyDink]

3. Try this on for size: Completely ban all gas-fueled racing sports. BAN CRUISE SHIPS.

Start with THOSE before asking women who work to walk or bicycle, or find non-existent buses, to their place of employment.

NASCAR? Indy 500? F1? Start there, with the rich good ole boys and their fans (and I am a fan of Formula One).

Cruising to Europe or Hawaii or around the world? Nope; wastes precious fuel. Fly (I know; but at least it's faster.)

Yeah, nobody ever wants to take the BIG steps against BIG-WIGS; let's just insist, like with taxes, that it's only the multitudinous hoi-polloi who must sacrifice.
Let's not be Socialist for Society's sake.

[RC]

4. Want to really make the oil companies responsible?

Nationalize BP and put Management in prison for 15 to 20 years. Strip them of their wealth and put it in a fund for research in stopping blown wells and the resulting cleanup costs.