Comments on: Crossing cultures: public-private partnerships in homeland security

By: CitizenJoe

CitizenJoe — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:21:58 +0000

An American tragedy indeed among it seems many in the last decades as void in leadership prevails!

A Greek tragedy was never so transparent in lack of compassion as BP’s willingness to knowingly risk it – BP’s void in emotion could never be compared with the Greek tragedy! This is more than a Greek tragedy, it is a travesty! unacceptable….

The sophistication, the technology at hand in this 21st century versus outright apathy, indifference, prowess in power, a demeanor of let’s take a chance, knowing full well the pressures exerted at this depth and while we at BP employ the brightest minds and advice has suggested having – preparedness – on standby as this “experiment” in drilling this deep and within these pressures, in case of failure, knowing full well the catastrophic scenario which will unfold, well, let’s move ahead as the revenue generated from drilling this “exsperiment” far outway any other concerns We at BP should have of fellow citizen and the environment for after all, We are only beholden to our shareholders!

You, Mr. President, having responsibility for any such event, knowing full well that BP could have averted this before the first explosion, however despite all which could happen understood that in the event of such failure, valuable lessons would be learned and applied to future such drilling at depths where pressure provokes such real failures -

Unacceptable – knowing the full extent of what failure in deep water drilling could mean to the oceans and souls who would lose so much in identity, greed in the 21st century has again eroded not only the marshes and livlihood for so many, but mankind’s confidence and trust in one another.

The world is riddled with corruption for it is all about money, but is it? It is not only the fragile eco-environment compromised, but a global concern that provides substantiation that We too are placed in much peril!

God Bless us all!

Our Creator has proclaimed in verse and is witness to all!

Citizen Joe

By: Philip J. Palin

Philip J. Palin — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:32:02 +0000

Bill:

Self-interest is among the most resilient of human characteristics, and I agree there are aspects of our political system that tempt self-interest to excess. But, at least so far, I see the events in the Gulf unfolding much more as Greek tragedy, where an excess of strength, rather than weakness or evil intent,is driving the plot.

Mark:

I was not at all familiar with the work you have outlined. But now I am (we are). Looks like there is a very informative website — and info on some upcoming public-private summits — at http://www.metaleadershipsummit.org/ Thanks for the connection.

By: Mark R. Lupo, CBCP

Mark R. Lupo, CBCP — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:49:53 +0000

Thought provoking article, Phil, and so on point. Interesting comparison between the philosophy of business as risk taking and the public sector side as seeking more stability and predictability. Having worked to mesh efforts in these two sectors for several years now, I don’t think I had really thought of it in those terms. How familiar are you with the work being done out of the CDC Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health on Meta-Leadership for Emergency Preparedness? Excellent initiative and one that focuses on exactly what you are discussing, bringing together the private sector, government/public safety, and non-profits to work together before the next event happens, whether natural or man-made. Powerful concept and one that bears continued development as we head into a future requiring this level of partnership in our preparedness and response efforts.

By: William R. Cumming

William R. Cumming — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:13:25 +0000

Well another interesting and insightful post by Phil. There is underlying truth in his analytic framework and underlying deception. Just as in the current event of the oil spill. What in fact seems to have occurred is that lobbyist systematically ensured that even data capture and basic science and engineering skills were not made available to the regulators or adminsitrators relevant to this crisis. It was not just will that was not avialable to those who were trusted with doing the public’s business but also the fundamental capabilities. This now seems pervasive throughout much of government, whatever the level. Ah yes, Oliver Wendell Holmes and is statement that “Taxes are the price we pay for civilized society” or some variant thereof. It now appears that the public did pay for a system that did not provide needed oversight. This is what should be examined but the fact that Congress itself and the Executive Branch would have to analyze their role in the event, not just BP makes it unlikely that the Commission established by Executive Order and published in today’s Federal Register will accomplish much. Just as Congress has been repeatedly identified as a problem in its organization for Homeland Security, again Congress may be the root of not “all evil” but all federal failures. Is this expecting too much? Well why has the MSM so willing failed to take on the tough issues? And the Congress? And the Executive Branch? Are there structural flaws? None seem to know.