"Rhetoric, Tax, Blame and Excuse!"

When a football coach is preparing for a game, he watches film from his opponent's previous games. He looks for weaknesses; he plans strategies to deal with the possible problems that may arise during the game. He surrounds himself with assistants that have expertise in each area of the game; he can't be expected to know it all. He knows the abilities of his players, and he has back-up players in the event his "starters" fail in their duties. His quarterback always has alternate play options at every snap of the ball. There is always a "plan B" available to help achieve success. Any coach who walks on the field with a game plan so rigid that he can't adapt to the unexpected, is virtually guaranteed to lose. I've seen coaches on the side lines of a game furiously drawing up plays in the feint hope of dealing with a situation that they were not prepared for. After a losing effort, most of those types who were caught unprepared have news conferences. Excuses reign supreme, blame is cast out liberally, and an irate attitude is easily seen.

Last night, President Obama addressed the nation on the B.P. oil crisis. Once again, he made references to the previous administration as being at fault. Once again, he alluded to previous abuse of authority in regulatory agencies. Once again, he wants to place the blame on George Bush. The problem with the oil platform absolutely lies with B.P., proper repair and maintenance belongs to them. The fact that this well had to be drilled so deep lies with the environmentalists who have a fear of drilling near land. Drilling closer to the shore, where divers could do hands on repair would have greatly reduced the damage that has already taken place. At the time of this accident, several foreign powers offered help that could have had an immediate impact on the spill; their offers went unanswered by the administration. Mr. Obama said we can capture 90% of the oil as it escapes, yet he has no grounds to back up that claim. He mentioned B.P. as the demon in this tragedy. Granted B.P. holds the bag in this situation, but the lack of action by this administration in the start of this travesty cannot be overlooked. The answer from Mr. Obama was further government regulation, a new watchdog agency. Isn't it a better idea to use the present system in the way it was supposed to be used from the start? Those who have abused their position should be fired and possibly prosecuted, if applicable, and replaced with people who will do their jobs with integrity.

Finally, I find it interesting that Mr. Obama called for prayer from the American people in this situation, especially when he decided not to participate in the National Day of Prayer not very long ago. Personally, I find this action as disingenuous and an attempt to mend fences with the Americans who, each night, bend their knees asking for Gods' help in preserving our nation and its' freedoms. I'm sorry Mr. President, but it all sounded too political to me. I'm not buying it, and I don't think the American voter will either! Coach, you weren't ready!