I have always been deeply touched by the rally of American support and patriotism after a disaster, man-made or natural, in the spirit of helping fellow citizens in need. We saw it after 9/11 shook not only New York City, Pennsylvania and, Virginia, but our entire nation: we saw it after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast: and we saw it yet again after the catastrophe that was "Bottle-Gate 2011". Okay, so maybe not "Bottle-Gate" but if that incident would have occurred at a national level than I imagine fellow citizens would provide similar support to those affected by such a disaster. Or at least buy them a drink.
One year and one day ago the nation rallied once again in support of the Gulf Coast during the tragedy that is now known as the BP oil spill. Unleashing around 80,0000 barrels a day of oil into the Gulf the BP oil spill quickly became the largest oil spill in our history. Support came pouring in to help those along the Gulf Coast, but once the spilling stopped so did large spread cover and support. Was this because all is well along the Gulf Coast? Was it because those affected by the spill don't need our help? Was it the Obama's Florida vacation that convinced us that everything is okay now? We may think everything is squeaky clean along the coast, but the truth is it is far from it.
With new issues arising everyday it is easy to forget about things that don't directly affect us in places like Washington D.C. or Columbus, Ohio. This doesn't make the problem any less real. There are ongoing efforts to help clean up the Gulf Coast and restore the lives and businesses of its residents- it just isn't enough. I'm not asking you to quit your job, jump in your car, and skip over every BP station between here and the Coast. On the one year anniversary of the spill I just ask you to remember that clean-up is a continuing effort- one that deserves our attention.
Check out AFJ's First Monday award winning film Crude Justice about the effects of the spill on the Gulf Coast.
Thanks, Leah. My son-in-law had a piece about the Gulf in the electronic New York Times last week: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/04/20/20greenwire-assessment-of-gulf-spills-damage-submerged-in-60572.html?ref=earth
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