Can a rational discussion take place??? No.

I think no. You could not pick a much worse place. Or a much worse board to discuss. This issue brings many environmental and political issues up front. And in Louisiana!! Large portion of the population makes its money from the Gulf with fishing and tourism, and seems the rest makes it from oil. My uncles were roughnecks so if this happened 20 years ago I know what side I would be on. frick YOU FISHERMEN side.

I have but one argument AGAINST BP and all oil companies. Seems all money and effort were spent in technology on how to drill only. There is no profit in management and containment UNTIL a disaster and by then it is too late. Add to it we are pushing the limits of what we can even do depth wise. Everyone seems to be scratching their nuts on fixing problems because all any one ever thought of was getting the oil out of the ground.