Week 14: Pre-Post

The article on the Gulf oil spill was great. Comically written, albeit about a very grave topic. I particularly enjoyed one paragraph:


     "Put it in writing!" someone shouted out. By now the air conditioning had shut itself off and the coolers of Budweiser were running low. A shrimper named Matt O'Brien approached the mic. "We don't need to hear this anymore," he declared, hands on hips. It didn't matter what assurances they were offered because, he explained, "we just don't trust you guys!" And with that, such a loud cheer rose up from the floor you'd have thought the Oilers (the unfortunately named school football team) had scored a touchdown."


     It basically sums up the anger and frustration that the people feel, and how petty the efforts are to help the individuals who are affected. The caption under the photo also gives word to how the situation is really being handled, "Obama can't order the pelicans not to die." Its so true. All the bureaucracy really doesn't accomplish anything after a situation begins to get out of control, at the very most it can hope to compensate as best as possible for the situations repercussions. 






In the article by Olson, I really agreed with his statement, "First and foremost, we are called not to forget. Remember, keep informed, and in some way be involved with ecosystem, creatures, and people of the Gulf Coast community." While I may not be able to go to the regions affected and physically do something about it, I can promote and education and legislation about to prevent this from happening again as well as making the necessary restitution to the affected parties. 


Another point that he brings to the table (that is also mentioned in the Doster Pastoral Essay) is one I had not considered at all. This is not a "natural disaster." This is a disaster caused by humans. Just because something has an terrible effect on the environment, doesn't make it a natural disaster. This was completely preventable and and the fault lies in the lap of humanity and not "Mother Nature."