WH refuses help from foreign firms on oil spill

[rickie]

http://thecable.foreignpo... http://www.opposingviews.... http://www.miamiherald.co... Apparently foreign firms, and 13 government entities have offered their expertise and resources to help clean up the spill but the White House has refused their help. The reasoning behind the refusal of help is the Jones Act, which is apparently a Union-favored law. Bush waived the law after Catrina, and now people are wondering why Obama hasn't done so. What do you guys think? Do we need help from foreign firms? Why would Obama not waive this law like Bush did? Isn't this the first thing that he should've done when it was realized this spill was a big deal?

[anglesey34]

I think the USA should accept all the help we can get, FROM ANYONE!! Thousands of people and animals are suffering because of the oil spill. It has been gushing for nearly three months and it appears the govt. is sitting on their hands, going to Paul McCartney concerts, golfing, etc, and turning a cold shoulder to the American people (and everyone else) many of whom are angry, concerned, and crying out to help alleviate the results of the spill. I'm wondering if they are playing this situation for some sort of political gain. If so, any excuse to deny the offers of help could be used. Do they enjoy the suffering of others? It is appalling how they are handling this.

[fiacre68]

During Katrina Bush was blamed for not taking action. He was blamed for sending the LA National Guard to Iraq. My son was in Iraq at the time and was able to listen to the BBC. They reported that President Bush had to explain to the LA Governor that only Infantry Units were deployed to Iraq and that the construction and engineering Units were in LA and that the surrounding state had units that could be used if she would ask for them. He also explained to her that it was her responsibility to call up the National Guard as she was the Commander in Chief of the Units. Maybe he should contact Governor Palin and ask her for her advice on how to handle the situation as she has had more experience in running a government unit.

[jolie]

There are rumblings about Obama using this as a chess piece to get cap and trade passed, and I think his speech tonight will confirm that. For someone who supposedly cares so much about the environment, he seems to be taking this in stride, huh?

[honi]

Good point, bobmnu. It is sad the US can so readily handle overseas operations but when the crises is on our own soil everyone's hands are tied by red tape and it takes months to get anything done.

[akule76]

I agree, waive the law, allow the help. The longer they wait, the longer they can blame BP. I guess blame Bush IS getting stale. They just have to keep the oil coming til November!

[torin7]

"Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility not just for your successes, but for your failures as well." -Barak Obama. :)

[torin7]

Oh the hypocrisy!

[benon]

We need help anywhere we can get it. Obummer just talks the the talk but does not walk the walk. Tonight he will give another blah, blah, blah speech when we need action.

[byron92]

"...speech when we need action." This is something he doesn't seem to understand with any situation. Talk is cheap.