The two relief wells are the best prospect to end the flow of oil.  The worst prospect is the politicians and public officials who are berating the only people with the capability to solve the problem--for the time  being until that is done the blame game is purely political.  Exemplary of the political double speak is Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser who has been berating everyone particularly BP, yet today it's revealed he is in on the "spillionaire" money, money spent by BP in its clean up and seal efforts, http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/06/bp_adding_piers_to_marina_in_w.html.  Very few people involved in this have "clean hands."   There are entirely too many people flapping their lips without any knowledge of what's going on trying to gain themselves a few minutes in the spot light. 
Now, an escrow fund, and who's going to control it--the government.  BP really snookered them on that because when the fishermen and business owners--who probably can't document their income with tax returns--try to collect, no income proof--i.e. tax returns, no money and BP can say "Talk to the government, we only provide the money!"  Who among the businessmen and fishermen is going to tell the government, "Oh, I don't declare that money for income tax, I just want it now."?  Not many. 
That won't stop the congressmen from taking contributions from the oil companies either--and there is a lot of that.  All the yapping has done is shut down drilling putting yet more people out of work, ultimately driving up the price of gas at the pump.  If people really are upset, they should ride  bicycles, not 4X4;s and pickups.  Green has a price, and that price is largely conveniences that Americans are loath to part with. 

Saint I hope this article isn't right. 

Even if every word is God's own truth, it won't stop the oil.  The only people who have the know how, equipment and money to stop it work for "Big Oil."  The problem is huge, the solution is larger--and all the jabbering and pointing fingers won't stop one drop of oil, just hard work, large and risky investment and, God willing, a lot of luck.  Our so called leaders have become rabble-rousers, giving all appearances, IMO, of being totally intoxicated on their own glorification.  Not one hearing on how conflicts in bureaucratic procedure can be expedited to accomplish legitimate goals yet not impede the efforts to close the leak and get the unemployed back in action.  Meantime our Congress is letting unemployment benefits expire for many many others--too damn drunk on seeing their mugs on the tube and hearing their yammering.  The system is sinking under the weight of political ego, it's time to stop politicing and get on with governance.

Quote from: pdxtodd on June 18, 2010, 07:03:43 AM

Saint I hope this article isn't right. 

Even if every word is God's own truth, it won't stop the oil.  The only people who have the know how, equipment and money to stop it work for "Big Oil."  The problem is huge, the solution is larger--and all the jabbering and pointing fingers won't stop one drop of oil, just hard work, large and risky investment and, God willing, a lot of luck.  Our so called leaders have become rabble-rousers, giving all appearances, IMO, of being totally intoxicated on their own glorification.  Not one hearing on how conflicts in bureaucratic procedure can be expedited to accomplish legitimate goals yet not impede the efforts to close the leak and get the unemployed back in action.  Meantime our Congress is letting unemployment benefits expire for many many others--too damn drunk on seeing their mugs on the tube and hearing their yammering.  The system is sinking under the weight of political ego, it's time to stop politicing and get on with governance.

Amen!