Invoking the term "terrorism" is bound to ruffle feathers and stir sentiments in many different directions. Wikipedia defines terrorism thusly .."Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians)."
They go on to say that studies show there are over 100 definitions of terrorism. So apparently using the Wiki as a guide there is no consensus. That means it, the definition of terrorism is available to be exploited and examined.
Is the oil spill disaster an act of terrorism?
The first part of the definition, " ...a violent act intended to create fear. " This fits for senior management at BP. Witnesses say BP took shortcuts. Apparently the senior managers were fearful with the shortcuts BP had authorized. Notwithstanding the potential of these 'truthseekers' who now face the possibility of having scorn, derision and perhaps charges of illegal wrongdoing heaped upon them for in effect reporting as whistleblowers, they apparently have been proven correct with their fears.
Then, "... perpetrated for an ideological goal." That's an easy one as the pursuit of the almighty buck of capitalism and corporate greed are ideological goals. Despite BP profits of nearly $61 million in daily profits (this is not a typo), they apparently had cut corners, my guess is the ideological goal of profits was the motive.
If the pure definition of terrorism requires a "deliberate act intended to create fear," this too is a possibility. First, there is no doubt of plenty of fear to go around, especially if your income depends on the Gulf for tourism, fishing, clamming, shrimp, and so forth. There is plenty of fear amongst the commercial fishing industry, a critical economic engine for the region. The fear must be known for in the same article President Obama promised steps to prevent a similar disaster in the future.
Secondly, though it is not a deliberate act to cause the pipe to rupture, it is becoming abundantly clear acts of omission on at least one oil rig known as Atlantis, that BP was at the least grossly negligent with very little concern for safety of its workers as is discussed in housing options in a recently surfaced document now known as the Three Little Pigsas a calculation of a human life. In the ensuing investigation of the current mess chances are there will surface many deliberate acts of omission.
Is there a difference between roadside bombs, suicide bombers, or crashing planes in to Twin Towers.Is it fair to say the perpetrators icluding the BP disaster had little or no regard for non-combatants (civilians)lives or environmental casualties? Is it possible the motives in any event are self-serving whether for profits, or a place with God in heaven?