I have, like many of you, been watching the drama unfold in the Gulf Coast over the last few weeks. People’s incomes, ways of life, and dreams have so far become very close to being irrevocably changed. We watch with anticipation as people prepare sand bags, lay containment booms, and pray that the oil doesn’t make it to shore. Fragile ecosystems are in danger of being destroyed, much of the States seafood population is in danger, and one thing has stood out to me during this whole experience so far.

BP has completely stepped up to the plate to accept their share of responsibility. Repeatedly, BP has stated that they will cover the majority of costs for the oil spill and subsequent cleanup. They haven’t skirted around the fact that it was their lease on the well that exploded, even though they had subcontracted the management of the well to another company.

Not only has BP stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility, but they are doing everything they can think of to shut this well off. BP engineers are throwing every option that even remotely seems possible onto the table if they think there’s a chance that it might fix the problem. I believe if they thought an iceberg would solve the problem, they would cut a chunk off somewhere in the Arctic and ship it down to the Gulf.

I have to commend BP for accepting responsibility for the fact that this was their well, and doing everything they can to fix the situation. In today’s litigious society, it’s nice to see a company, and a multinational company, and an OIL company, step up. I understand that this may involve higher gas prices for us because of the amount this may cost, as gas is already starting to climb. But in an era of “blame the other guy”, it’s good to see such a large company set a positive example in the midst of a life-changing crisis.

Thanks for setting a good example British Petroleum.