Ineptitude. Incompetence. Inattention: The Obama Administration vs. The Oil Spill

Anybody notice that the Gulf oil spill seems to have taken back burner in the media and at the White House?

The Heritage Foundation noticed, and sent its own team to report on progress, or lack thereof.

They met a universal response of disgust with the behaviour of the federal government, beginning with the ban on oil exploration, twice struck down by the courts, and reimposed again today. The rigs are picking up and moving away, perhaps never to return. An entire industry knee-capped, businesses ruined, careers lost.

In other words, just what Obama intends. Never let a crisis go to waste, ya'll.

In the meantime, the New Orleans Times-Picayune just released a photo showing the new cap installed by BP, now beginning testing.

Did BP and its contractors create this mess? Yep. And, they are working to fix it. For all their many failings, amply discussed already, they have a huge stake in successfully capping the well, cleaning up the mess, and restoring credibility with the Gulf Coast. The existence of the firm is on the line, and potential criminal liability for many executives, if they fail.

Has the federal government worsened the damage? Definitely. And they are working to spread the pain far and wide. They have a stake in failure, as it creates chaos, and the opportunity to expand power. They need the crisis, and thus exacerbate it.

When all else fails, check for moral hazard. Insurance agents do. So should we.

In the meantime, a chart of the oil spill based on yesterday's overflights, provided by BP.