Give It a Fucking Rest!

For sixty days I have watched with dismay the tragedy unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico.  For sixty days I have looked at pictures of oil-soaked animals, read stories of the men who lost their lives on that rig, watched as Tony Hayward and his cohorts at BP tried to wiggle their way out of their mess and pass the buck.  For sixty days I have watched as the Federal Government became involved, the Senate finally grilled Hayward, and Obama's approval ratings slipped a little as the American public scrutinized him for being "too soft" on BP and not getting angry enough.

Before I go any further let me ask you this White America?  Do you really want an angry Black man in the White House?  I'm guessing not.  Personally, I do, in fact I want him to just get downright livid but that would only perpetuate negative stereotypes for African Americans.

Now I understand why many Americans have criticized Obama.  He is typically a very mild-mannered, articulate man.  While I personally find that a refreshing change from George W Bush's firebrand redneck attitude and demeanor, it's not hard to see why it's off-putting to many Americans.

But let me ask you all (meaning those of you criticizing the President for not doing enough) this: what exactly do you want Obama to do?  BP is a privately owned company.  While it's federally regulated, it's not federally funded.  Yes, the government was right to step in, and yes BP is paying and will continue to pay for a very, very long time.  President Obama secured $20 billion from BP for the victims of the Gulf and the relief efforts.  This is more money than any president in U.S. history has ever secured from a private company for any sort of relief effort.  Give the man his due for that.

I mean, what do you want from him?!?!  It's  not like he can have Tony Hayward spanked and tossed into an underground dungeon .... KINKY!!!!!!  I wonder if Hayward would like that.  He has a bit of a gay look about him.  Am I the only one who thinks so?  I did read he may get some jail time, that may be like a trip to Rio for him!  Of course I'm sure he has enough money to avoid jail.

But I digress...

Back to my rant.

Obama also received criticism because he said that it is time for America to start really working at lessening its dependency on oil.  This drew criticism from the DrillBabyDrill-ers, most Conservatives, and the ever fun party faves, the Tea-Baggers.  Obama went on to say that it is time start really investing in green energy.

Logistically this will take a while.  It will take longer than the twenty years Obama believes we can do this in.  Oh, and Mr. President, while I applaud you for this, lead by example, please.  America is such a nation of excess I do not believe we (as a nation) could truly lessen our dependency on oil without a complete overhaul of our lifestyle.  No, I'm not talking about all the fun techno gadgets we enjoy.  I'm talking about our cars, boats, SUVs, trucks, and ATVs.  

Now before you brand me a Greenie (I have to give Mama Palin some props for that one!), I realize it's not feasible for everyone to just stop driving or go trade in for Hybrids.  And while they're not that economical at this point, electric cars will get better.  After all, there are people in more rural areas who drive an hour to and fro each day for work.  We can't just expect these people to take mass transit.  Public transportation in rural towns (even the larger ones) isn't all that great.

However, people who live in large metro areas have no excuse for sitting an hour in traffic each day.  I mean, can't you people text and mess with your iPods on the bus rather than in your cars?

I love to drive.  I'll be the first to admit that.  It's relaxing, it's a lot of fun.  However, my car died almost a year ago and I've actually learned to live life without one.  Since moving back to Minneapolis it's become a lot easier.  Public transit is very good here, and while it's sometimes not as convenient or as fast as driving, it meets my needs and it's a lot cheaper than owning a car.  Do I miss my car?  Yes I do.  Am I good without it?  Yes I am.

Now a question for all you people criticizing our President for his handling of the Gulf crisis?  How many of you are still buying gas from BP?  Perhaps you should check the next gas station you have to stop at.