And yes, my opinion has changed now that it has affected me personally. I am human. It was sad and worrisome when it was miles away, but it is a whole lot moreso when it is at my back door!
Like so many issues here on ATS and the world at large, too many people in my humble opinion are more focused on who is right, and who is wrong, and being right, even if they are wrong, for often the sake of ego and simply being right.
A situation of this magnitude I truly believe it’s just better to keep an open mind, reserve judgment, hope for the best but consider the consequences of the worst.
Whether it’s people dismissing facts out of hand that don’t support them being ‘right’ or latching on to some highly fanciful and speculative notions that support them being ‘right’, the truth is there might not be anyone in the world qualified at this point that can truly predict the final outcome and the long term impact of the Oil Disaster in the Gulf.
Never before has this much oil and such a volume of chemicals been dumped into a semi-contained, semi-self sustaining body of water and ecosystem before.
So without a precedent to base it on, who would be an expert?
It’s said that when they first decided to test the atomic bomb they weren’t actually sure if the chain reaction could be contained and that it might actually just incinerate the entire planet.
Because of the circumstances history says Roosevelt decided to take that chance and find out.
The truth is there are circumstances at play here, like the tourism and fishing industry that warrant in the minds of many taking a chance, and almost unguardedly hoping for the best.
I can understand why someone whose livelihood is being so adversely affected would be willing to take that chance.
I can understand why the government that depends on tax revenue from those industries and will ultimately have to bear the burden of those businesses failures, on multiple levels would consider taking the chance.
What I can’t understand though is the people who live far, far away from the impacted area, who see it only as another I am right you are wrong issue, where there biggest concern is the sport of that argument, and the boost to their ego when they imagining they are winning it.
This really is a story that will be years in the making, and I honestly don’t think anyone knows just how it’s going to turn out with any scientific certainty based on precedent and fact.
I wonder if humanity will ever be able to face a serious issue and crisis responsibly without approaching it like it’s a World Wrestling Smack Down event.
That would truly be a cause for celebration. Great job Original Poster at being proactive and keeping an open mind and having a true willingness to reexamine your position as new data comes to light.
I suspect new data will be coming to light for years to come.
