A majority of Americans now believe that our government has not done all it can to stop the oil flow into the Gulf and to assuage the impact of the oil spill on the marshes, beaches, and wildlife of the Gulf States. Spokespersons appear on TV assuring us that all available resources are being thrown into the battle and that they have their “boots on the neck of BP”. The President flies to the Gulf and bends down before the cameras to seriously examine the balls of tar that have washed up on the beaches. When his poll numbers sink, he throws a contrived tantrum and vows that the experts he talks to on a daily basis have the useful function of telling him whose “ass to kick.”
Here’s the problem. Evidence is oozing out revealing that many more actions could have been taken to soak up the oil before it washed up on the beaches. Dozens of companies have proven techniques for separating the oil from the water and fleets of skimming vessels are sitting in warehouses not being used. CEOs of these companies state they sent paperwork to the EPA weeks ago, but received no response. The Administration has refused to set aside the Jones Act, which prevents willing foreign flag vessels from assisting with the clean up, and so on.
The President’s role in a crisis is to cut through the Gordian Knot of bureaucracy and apply sound management principles to achieve a quick resolution. Ideas and discussions are fine, but without decisive action, they’re meaningless. This President and his coterie of advisors excel at process and appearances as well as shifting blame to others. For the bureaucracy it’s business as usual. If the President wants an ass to kick, he should look closer to home!
Jim Littlejohn
