What I thought I knew before the oil rig explosion !!

I thought that big oil companies had evolved into a responsible business. Taking precautions to ensure a safe environment so as not to lose public trust.

I thought the MMS was watching out for our interests, making sure the oil companies towed the line.

I thought the government had more control and expertise, pertaining to the oil field companies.

I thought the president had the power to invoke emergency decisions over catastrophic disasters.

I thought the Coast Guard was a responsible and modern arm of the Armed Forces.

                                             What I really knew ?
Very little it turns out.

I worked on the marine, supply side, of the oil field operations. Even back then when I was working in that capacity, everyone that was doing the actual work in the oil field, knew the lack of safety enforcement. Unless it was for the convenience of the oil company.

I knew the Jones Act, was antiquated, needing to brought up to date. I also knew that the majority of United States citizens had never heard of the Jones Act. Why would they? It normally only effects mariners.

I knew apathy had crept back into our mindset, it is a quiet form of a non existing concern, I saw it every where. When there was not a big out cry over the state of economy and the factors that caused it.
When the government was printing money, just to hand it over to big business. When laws were passed with disregard for the outcome or results for their passage. Every day in the news, people have been more concerned about the next "american idol" than they have for the well being of their livelihood and the state of the nation.

Now I know, I am just as much at fault as any one else. I hope I am learning to be more aware of what is going on with the government. I have learned that with just the click of the mouse I can be there watching, seeing for myself, on a daily basis what these elected officials are or are not doing.

What I thought before the oil rig explosion........What I know now......wow worlds apart.

Last year my home, was a three bedroom ranch, in your neighborhood,
I sat in the office next to yours,
I attended your church every Sunday.
I sang in the choir.
My son played soccer with your son,
my daughter sold you cookies once.
I mowed you lawn, I carried you groceries to your car,
You gave me a tip.

I live in the park by day,
sleep under the bridge at night.
What you throw away, I pick up and use.
When you walk by, I whisper a prayer,
that you never reach this place I am in.

I raise the food that you buy at the store.
I make the soap that you use in your washer.
I make the clothes that your children wear.
I deliver the paper, that you use to get.

I fought for your freedom,
I fought for your rights,
I fought for your children,
I fought for you future,
I am fighting still.

I am the voice of the sea,
I am the conscious of the land,
I am the eyes of the press,
I am the ears of those hearing the news,
I am the one that shook your hand.

I sing, I dance, I cry, I laugh,
I miss you,
I need you,
I want you back,
Oh spirit of love ,
where have you been?
When will you return?
I am here.

Pelicans and porpoise play in poison

the people plead to the politicians

the oil oozes onward

daily dieing, 

dirty deeds divulged

crude constantly climbing

rushing upward from the sea bed

fishermen flounder finding fools

and silent  sand on the sea shore

solutions seemingly secret

the phantom fuel keeps rising

foreign friends with fleets

held helpless at bay

still

the pelicans and porpoise play in poison

the people plead to politicians

fishermen still finding fools

on silent sandy shores

the salt in the sea from

the tears trickled

by sailors no longer sailing the sea

they know

still 

the pelicans and porpoise play in poison 

the people plead to politicians

fishermen finding fools

on silent sandy shores

plug the damn hole

kick some ass

too late now

to save the marsh grass

the grass that is lost will never come back

dead pelicans will never fly

dead porpoise that will never play

is there a solution or just another lost day

on day 57

There were Eleven

Bob Byford: it is a quick flash, a heartbeat, a turn of the wind, the blink of an eye, we take for granted. A moment is lost,the fire dies out, the sun sets, the tide rushes from the shore, heart break sets in, tears begin to flow, from a window of memory we reach.Eleven souls now rest in the sea, they ride the crest of the next wave, they lay on the sea bed, they ride on a pelicans wings. You, are their only shout for justice, the sea never judges, it never forgets, it is very unforgiving. This morning the memories flood in, the sea smell is tainted, the beaches are covered by the foul folly that has been committed. I hear Eleven voices calling , remember me, remember my family, and pray for our sea