Here in Mississippi, I am looking toward the Gulf Coast with a sense of dread as the oil spill approaches. Sea turtles, birds, and fish are already starting to wash up on Mississippi's beaches. The picture here was taken in Waveland, MS (which you might remember was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina). I have seen several like it, and it is heartbreaking. This is the result of corporate greed, lax environmental regulation, and the absence of political will by both parties to support the research and development of alternative energy.

According to the Associated Press, the oil spill is expected to be far worse than the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, currently considered the worst U.S. oil disaster. A representative of the Sierra Club referred to the spill as "America's Chernobyl."

I don't get down to the coast nearly as much as I would like to, but it has always been the scenery and wildlife that draws me there. I also see what the coastal industries do for the state economy. In a time where our state is making deep cuts to education in misguided attempt to deal with the ongoing economic crisis, this really is the last thing we need.

I find it appalling to hear some elected Republicans and other exuberantly stupid quitters calling for continued offshore drilling. Does that mean they are going to get their asses down here and help with the clean up efforts? Of course not! Once again, it reveals their willingness to put corporate interests over those of the people.

The fact of the matter is that policies and even political rhetoric often have real consequences for people's lives. Those who push environmental destruction ought to be held responsible when disaster results. This includes those who allow themselves to be be persuaded to allow environmental destruction out of whatever delusional views about bipartisanship they may hold.

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