Coast Guard and BP threaten journalists with arrest for documenting oil spill
Meanwhile, oil washes up on shore as Louisiana governor says he was unable to get funding for an emergency retaining wall.
Tue, May 18 2010 at 10:49 PM EST
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IT'S HERE: Parish County, Louisiana. (Photo: CBS) I never thought I would say this, but for once I actually agree with Rush Limbaugh. The right-wing radio host is attributed with calling the Gulf Oil Spill "Obama's Katrina." It was an odd statement at the time, but now nearly four weeks later, Limbaugh's brash statement is not at all off the mark.
Today, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal dispensed with his laid-back attitude about the spill and in a local radio interview said that he had made repeated, increasingly desperate pleas to get the Army Corps of Engineers to approve an emergency retaining wall project that would have protected the fragile marshlands of Louisiana from the onslaught of thick oil now oozing out of the Gulf.
These marshlands are often referred to as "the nursery" for good reason — they are the breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds and marine animals and the womb of Louisiana's fishing industry. They are also the state's primary buffer against hurricanes. But sadly Jindal's pleas fell on deaf ears, and this morning around 8 a.m., oil washed up onshore.
The Obama administration, it appears, has higher priorities ... namely helping BP in its frantic efforts to keep the public in the dark about what is almost surely the worst environmental catastrophe in U.S. history.
Contacts in Louisiana have given me numerous, unconfirmed reports of cameras and cell phones being confiscated, scientists with monitoring equipment being turned away, and local reporters blocked from access to public lands impacted by the oil spill. But today CBS News got it on video, along with a bone-chilling statement by a Coast Guard official:
"These are BP's rules. These are not our rules."
But wait ... isn't that a public beach? From my viewpoint, it looks as if the Coast Guard* has been given direct orders to protect BP's PR interests above safety concerns over air and water quality, above the outcries of local governments in need of aid, and (worst of all) above the need for the American public to be informed about what is really going on in the Gulf.
The Coast Guard, as one of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, answers to the commander in chief — President Obama. Despite Obama's half-hearted attempt at displaying anger over the government's "cozy relationship" with BP, I believe Obama is aiding and abetting a foreign oil company as it perpetrates an environmental crime on American soil, a crime which fortunately (thanks to Sen. Barbara Boxer) is now being taken to the Justice Department.
It's a well-known fact that President Obama received a hefty campaign contribution from British Petroleum (the largest of any of the candidates) and in the oily aftermath of a thoroughly un-American corporate cover-up, Obama's credibility as the people's president is quickly eroding. In the next few days — as the Gulf current pulls miles of black ooze up the Eastern seaboard (the first tar balls landed today in the Florida Keys) — BP's federally subsidized media containment operation may soon become impossible to maintain.At that point, the president will have to ask himself if his allegiance to the polluting petroleum giant was worth it.
* EDITOR'S NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard contacted MNN today with this update:
CBS Evening News reported they were denied access to oiled shoreline by a civilian vessel that had clean-up workers contracted by BP, as well as Coast Guard personnel on board. CBS News video taped the exchange during which time one of the contractors told them (on tape) that " ... this is BP's rules not ours."
Neither BP nor the U.S. Coast Guard, who are responding to the spill, have any rules in place that would prohibit media access to impacted areas and we were disappointed to hear of this incident. In fact, media has been actively embedded and allowed to cover response efforts since this response began, with more than 400 embeds aboard boats and aircraft to date. Just today 16 members of the press observed clean-up operations on a vessel out of Venice, La.
The only time anyone would be asked to move from an area would be if there were safety concerns, or they were interfering with response operations. This did occur off South Pass Monday which may have caused the confusion reported by CBS today.
The entities involved in the Deepwater Horizon/BP Response have already reiterated these media access guidelines to personnel involved in the response and hope it prevents any future confusion.
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Comments
Fodarok
06/16/2010 10:06 AM
What ? You think you can stop what is coming? You may as well have STUPID (or the chip) tatooed on your forehead if you think the outcome will be be any different then what is for told in the BOOK !! Bible ( basic instuctions before leaving earth). The truth shall/will set you free!!!
8th Degree
06/14/2010 06:14 AM
Read the facts
After reading go to the PAG network listen to the calls to find out the rest of the truth .
Stand up and join to stop the corruption.
Or indeed we would be a nation of so called cowards & our Constitution as they put just a dam piece of paper.
All those who have served our country and given their life to defend it will have died in vein.
.... More
John Smith
06/12/2010 12:54 PM
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 clearly states that any entity capable of spilling oil in U.S. waters must submit a response plan to the Coast Guard for approval TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE WORST CASE SCENERIO. THE LAST LINE OF SAFETY IS THE BLOW-OUT PREVENTER. THIS IS THE WORST CASE SCENERIO. ALSO THE COAST GUARD HAS AN OMB FORM THAT ONLY REQUIERS CELF-CERTIFICATION BY SIGNATURRE. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT A COMPANY WILL FOLLOW THRU WITH PLANS, CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT WHEN ALL IS.... More
Cascade Jack
05/23/2010 07:15 AM
A blatant propaganda piece, this article. Breathless, melodramatic accounts of jackbooted thugs acting on behalf of a foreign megacorporation, impliedly with the blessing of our federal government... Honey, please. I wasn't born yesterday. Try and pin this on Obama all you want, nobody with an IQ in the range of regular unleaded will be fooled -- all you're after is a way to make Ralph Nader or the Green Party look better by comparison. You're every bit as Machiavellian and duplicitous as a.... More
Jack Whisenhunt
05/22/2010 20:19 PM
Enter your comments here
It is obvious that fossil fuel production, in any form, can never lead to energy independence for a nation that permits the product to be sold on the "free market".
True energy independence can only be derived from solar, geothermal, wind, hydro, and (if uranium is mined in that nation) nuclear.
This is not to say there will never be "free energy" developments. But, at this time, any thoughts of a fossil fuel based energy independent program is political hogwash.
In all.... More
J. Cook
05/22/2010 09:48 AM
The kind of government we have now, which is in collusion with corporations, is what happens when the Constitution is interpreted as applying to individuals and business entities. A corporation is just another government, although it does not have a vote, right to arms, religion, or speech. The U.S. has chosen to side with them because it fills all of the pockets involved with gold. Jefferson and the others would start over in Federated Micronesia if they were alive today.
Anonymous
05/21/2010 14:29 PM
Trace the problem back far enough and the buck stops with those of us who buy big cars, consume products that are fuel-intensive and not locally produced, package everything in plastic, and rely on giant corporations to keep the gunk coming. The current disaster is just a precursor of ones to come in Nigeria, the North Sea, the Alberta oil sands, and the Arctic Ocean if we allow it. Whether we admit it or not, WE (not the politicians or even the corporations) are the real culprits. We seal.... More
Larry Chamblin
05/23/2010 13:02 PM
When it comes to blame, I say "All of the above." Yes, ultimately, we the people who use fossil fuels for transportation, housing, and everything else are to blame--especially those of us who drive SUVs, living in houses too big, commute hundreds of miles each week, and in other ways are wasteful. We need to be more mindful of our energy use. But we must also place the blame on a dysfunctional government (U.S. Senate most particularly) for its failure--so far--to enact meaningful.... More
Larry Chamblin
05/23/2010 13:02 PM
When it comes to blame, I say "All of the above." Yes, ultimately, we the people who use fossil fuels for transportation, housing, and everything else are to blame--especially those of us who drive SUVs, living in houses too big, commute hundreds of miles each week, and in other ways are wasteful. We need to be more mindful of our energy use. But we must also place the blame on a dysfunctional government (U.S. Senate most particularly) for its failure--so far--to enact meaningful.... More
Revalator
05/21/2010 14:08 PM
I think we should go back to the good old days before there was drilling for oil and such. We could all use whale oil candles and go to bed with the chickens. I bet blacksmith's would love for us to go back to using horses as a mode of transportation as well?
sohotdaw
05/21/2010 12:09 PM
In the United States---let's call a spade a spade:
Capitalism = Corruption
the end of the horror fairy tale.It's hard to get a girlfriend in my town ,most of them like my money more than like me.Ijust want to find my true love.so i uploaded my hot photos on Meetmillionaire . c om under the name of sammy561.It's the best club for seeking young millionaires and their admirers .if you girls see this comment,i hope you will check my photos out there.maybe you are the one who i'm looking.... More
ZachE
05/20/2010 19:43 PM
Isn't he the governor that campaigned on his absolute refusal to take Federal government money? C'mon, Bobby, the free market will always take care of everything, right? I'm sure that the whole army of unemployed folks in LA (as a result of his policies) will be totally happy to handle the cleanup for him, so long as LA pays them with all of that extra money they must have from embracing total free market capitalism.
LoPhatt
05/20/2010 18:54 PM
Since when does the USCG, a federal agency,take orders from a foreign corporation? Oh, I forgot, we ARE a corporate acquisition thanks to Comrade Soetoro and his cronies. "Miri" above has it right. He's not a "socialist", he's a corporate fascist. For those who may not know, that's what Musilini called fascism, "corporatism".
This is a disaster of unprecedented proportions and they sit there on their hands and allow BP to call the shots? Why not arrest them, freeze their assets to.... More
Russell Castro
05/20/2010 17:45 PM
Recently I told my Social Problems lecture students that the BP oil spill was not a social problem, but rather a "symptom" of a larger on-going phenomenon of the "dominance of corporate culture in our society," that is--in fact--not
widely recognized by the public as a problem.
Since then I saw a bit on CNN claiming that, according to public record, 97% of all EPA violations cited last year occurred at TWO---yes two---British Petroleum
refineries in the US (one of which is.... More
crowbar
05/20/2010 17:08 PM
The WTC ,Pentagon destruction; the anthrax destruction; the Afghan, Iraq destruction, the want of Iran destruction, the U.S.A.CONSTITUTION destruction...These are planned ways to destroy people or ideals by acts of amoral thuggery.
We need to investigate all these horrors and find out who is responsible; even if we have to kid-nap and torture them to get confessions.
Hence, it stands to reason, the BP oil dilemma may have actually been caused by thus same army of destruction. We.... More
Miri
05/20/2010 16:24 PM
He's a pro corporate fascist.
RealityBites
05/20/2010 16:26 PM
Time to lock down every BP corporate outlet, blockade them all.
PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS FOREVER
BP (Bad People)
Guest
05/20/2010 15:14 PM
Note how the Corp Whores backed right down to their interlocking corp masters. IT IS A PUBLIC BEACH AND GULF. Why didnt these CBS sell-outs refuse to comply or move downshore and film?? Now CBS wants credit for being scolded. Media is as big a disgrace as BP. In fact, these 2 corp pigs are one and the same and the nation is at literal peril becasue of it.
crowbar
05/20/2010 12:13 PM
The WTC ,Pentagon destruction; the anthrax destruction; the Afghan, Iraq destruction, the want of Iran destruction, the U.S.A.CONSTITUTION destruction...These are planned ways to destroy people or ideals by acts of amoral thuggery.
We need to investigate all these horrors and find out who is responsible; even if we have to kid-nap and torture them to get confessions.
Hence, it stands to reason, the BP oil dilemma may have actually been caused by thus same army of destruction. .... More
Ingrid Shaw
05/20/2010 09:28 AM
I was so happy that Obama got in. And up until now, he has done a reasonable job. But selling out the environment is not his finest hour. It makes me wish that Al Gore would become President and finally the environment will take a front seat. Before it is all gone...............
Revalator
05/21/2010 14:13 PM
Gore doesn't have time to be president. He is too busy buying multi-million dollar mansions that use ungodly amounts of energy to run.
Gil
05/20/2010 07:23 AM
This just released. A response to "Drill Baby Drill"
Sembrouthes
05/20/2010 02:37 AM
Unless we throw all the " bums " out as my father always said, nothing will ever change here. I am sorry to say it, but " We The People " are doomed ! And so is the earth upon which we live !
Why ? Because of greed and ignorance.
Yes, Obama is guilty, and so are Bush and Chaney and a whole list of other Presidents. The US Congress, and the big corporations.. And last but not least, US, You and I, all of us are guilty.
Look at how we live, we have to have it, whatever.... More
Revalator
05/21/2010 14:18 PM
The only problem with throwing out all of the bums is that they will only reach into the same sack to replace them!
DrTom
05/20/2010 00:55 AM
Let us suppose that the President had immediately grasped, on day one, that this was going to be the worst natural disaster in American History. The only viable solution at that point in time was...and still is...to build a sufficiently large containment and drop it on the well with a serious offshore crane, or pop a nuke on it. BP is sloughing off their responsibility, but if the President nationalized all their assets, the cry of 'Socialism' would return; so he cannot do it. If he had.... More
Phil
05/19/2010 23:44 PM
Its fun to blame politicians and corporations, and they do deserve blame, but nobody wants to follow the trail back far enough to find that the real problem is the American People. Politicians are in the pockets of big corporations because money gets them elected and reelected. And thats because the voting public is stupid and gullible and enough 30 second ads are what it takes to win elections. If people really knew issues in-depth, then 30 second productions wouldnt change their.... More
Expat
05/19/2010 22:43 PM
America needs to stop being considered the world leader in anything and be taken seriously for what it is - a banana republic ruled by despots and thugs who operate behind the scenes for the sole purpose of making money off of human misery.
Guest
05/19/2010 22:33 PM
Why don't we dump oil and dispersants on the CEO and corporate board, families too? Paybacks are hell.
Joel Scott Strauss
05/23/2010 14:01 PM
How dare the BP and the U.S. Coast Guard restrict our freedom of speech and press!
Laura
05/19/2010 21:32 PM
We need the change promised or the people will turn to anarchy...take the reins away from BP and put somebody in charge of this disaster. The blame game will not change the fallout, but maybe something can be done...or is it too late?
John
05/19/2010 19:26 PM
Everyone knows that the truth will come out eventually.
And actions speak louder than words...
The facts are:
Dick Cheney / Bush: were the ones who lowered the safety level which made this accident possible to happened. No safety switch...
Dick Cheney / Bush: lowered the indemnity down to only $65 million regardless of the true cost and damages.. in this case above £10 Billion
Dick Cheney/Bush: Lowered the regulations and let the oil industry regulate.... More
Guest
05/20/2010 15:17 PM
Great equation there on BP, like that...
But no- the truth doesnt always come out. In fact, in the majority of cases, the BIG LIE wins and when it doesnt, few seem to notice anyway.
justaguyinmn
05/19/2010 18:07 PM
Treasonous actions by the Coast Guard. The CiC needs to be held accountable and Impeached. (the CiC being our President)
Morganic
05/19/2010 18:00 PM
Government is the shadow big business (oil) casts on the people
- norm chomsky
we are turning ourselves into the new dinosaurs in an ignorant self destructive orgy of consumption...
Momo
05/19/2010 16:27 PM
The blame definitely starts with Bush/Cheney, for the MMS became the monster it is today (sort of like FEMA) under their watch. But almost half way through Obama's only term as president, it's still the same, and that's absolutely disgraceful. He can save a little face by firing Ken Salazar & overhauling the Interior Dept, particularly the MMS, immediately, but, unfortunately, Obama also appears to be in the pocket of big oil.
thecitizen
05/19/2010 16:20 PM
I would only argue with Karl on one point: this is very much the American way. Corporate interests have long been dictating government policy here in the US and abroad.
The people must first know about these activities (thank you MNN/journalists in general) and then do something about them.
Karl, what would be your top 5 things we as citizens can do about this oil spill?
Nicola
05/19/2010 19:28 PM
Does anyone know about this? If it protects wildlife & shorelines why is it not being used? Can you shed any light on this?
N/A
05/19/2010 14:24 PM
90% of what you have said in regards to Obama is completely unsubstantiated. If you look close enough you will see Cheney and Bush's fingerprints, not Obama's.
Look up all of what Halliburton has done, and who gave them such power. BP failed to follow proper procedure and screwed up big time. This has happened twice in Australia already in two years, and I don't hear them people blaming a politician.
Not to mention if you watch the video the BP employee NOT the coast guard officer.... More
Guest
05/19/2010 15:47 PM
Put 2 + 2 together
The president is the commander in Chief over the Armed Forces. The Coast Guard is part of the Armed Forces. The Coast Guard is keeping journalists from photographing public lands affected by the BP oil spill. Therefore, President Obama is endorsing the media blackout. There is no other conclusion. --
Karl Burkart
Tom Burnett
05/23/2010 04:18 AM
Aloha Karl,
The President may have sent the CG to 'assist' BP since it was supposed to be their baby. If, however, a member of the US military threatens an American citizen with arrest in a public place under the orders of a representative from a foreign entity, that would constitute a High Crime on the part of the President because it would mean he allowed a foreign power, or representative thereof to command American troops on American soil and invalidate the First Amendment to the.... More
Brandon
05/19/2010 15:09 PM
If it helps nobody to blame politicians then why do you start off blaming Bush and Cheney. No offense but I figure it's pretty obvious...they're not in office right now, nor have they been for the past year and a half. Trying to blame them is laughable. You should be blaming BP. You should be blaming the MMS under both the Bush and Obama administration. And you should certainly be blaming Obama for his lack luster, lazy response and attitude towards this environmental catastrophe that has.... More
bloop
05/19/2010 14:13 PM
I never thought I would say this, but for once I actually agree with Rush Limbaugh. The right-wing radio host is attributed with calling the Gulf Oil Spill "Obama's Katrina." It was an odd statement at the time, but now nearly four weeks later, Limbaugh's brash statement is not at all off the mark.
This is a cute little snot-nosed remark.
The spill is the Cheney/Bush Oil Spill and always will be, you right-wing phony
Sarah Mellowship
05/19/2010 13:31 PM
I have always been an Obama supporter but I cannot understand how he can let this disaster go unmitigated. What is the government doing to avert/correct/mitigate this utter disaster. Obama cannot stand on a platform of environmental consciousness if this disaster of epic proportions is ignored. The American people deserve to know exactly what is happening to the environment and what the government and BP is doing to fix it. I am so disappointed and disheartened!
sue
05/19/2010 12:58 PM
Someone wake Obama up! Is he in a ******* COMA? Or just bought and paid for?
lolwut
05/19/2010 11:24 AM
Uncle B. Get yourself educated.
You don't like 'socialism'? Get off of our roads, get your kids out of our school, get your lazy *** off medicare/medicaid, get out of our parks.
One thing you're obviously not going to miss is our libraries.
I certainly don't agree with how this is being handled, I don't think anyone does. But you're just spewing the same old republican garbage that everyone else is without thinking about it.
David Westermann
05/19/2010 11:15 AM
Enter your comments here
Doe it surprise you that the government is in bed with these large oil Companies. How else did he get elected. Money contributions to the Obama was huge. Yes he would love this to go away. He does not care about the spill as much as what it looks like to the American people regarding campaign contributions. It will never change.
safeworld
05/22/2010 01:57 AM
Aha!!! Yes, this is one of the points in polytics. What really gets to terify is what is going on under the carpet...
Another issue is, how did this happened? Isn't it to be supposed that security contingency plan has to be presented by the Company? At one month of the explosion, it seems like this Co. is has done nothing but to lie.
Is curious how all the information is hide form the public...you can see in the web hompage any kind of stupid issues, but this important.... More
