It is very alarming to see how vigorously the right is directing blame and responsibility for the BP disaster at The Obama administration. This is completely consistent with their disregard for the truth, and their ability to manufacture false political realities out of thin air. Alarmingly, voices on the left are reinforcing this message by complaining about the administration's tepid response. The last straw for me was hearing Sarah Palin claim that Obama was in the pocket of big oil.
It is critical that Obama shed his nice guy persona and start going for the throat, or this could fulfill the Right's wishes and end up being a Katrina-like event for his administration.
A perfect step would be to demand that Dick Cheney testify before Congress regarding his secret energy policy meetings early in the Bush admnistration.
Any reasonable thinking person knows that the Bush administration was:
A) Not just beholden to oil, but part of the oil industry family.
B) Consistently committed to deregulation of every variety.
Lets hold them accountable, and put a target directly on their foreheads that says "BP".
Demand that Dick Cheney testify before Congress. Tell us who he met with and what was said in the secret energy meetings he held. Lets look closely at the deregulatory moves he made on behalf of the oil industry. If he refuses, subpoena him. Make it a big confrontation. Make his refusal to testify an admission of guilt and responsibility.
Obama must begin fighting the right with the same kind of vigour they attack him with. Here is his chance.