I'm no lawyer, I'm just a middle-aged liberal who has watched these past 50 years as my country went from being secretly manipulated by big money to having it compromised right out in the open and in our faces. I don't know about the legalities of what I am about to post up here nor do I care. I only know right from wrong and what's been going on is wrong beyond measure. Nothing illustrates this better than what has been revealed so far about the disaster in the Gulf.
Here's how we could begin to make it right. This is what I feel a President should do to commence the process of re-claiming our government from the clutches of Corporations. Sadly, I don't see any of it happening and for that, I am truly sorry. But I can dream and here's what that dream looks like.
Whereas BP has proven itself to be totally untrustworthy, dishonest and willing to lie when the truth would do just as well, it is hereby ordered;
- All of BP's assets within the United States, its possessions and territories are hereby frozen and seized.
- A trust fund is to be created from these frozen assets from which will begin immediate disbursements for the relief of those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by this entirely avoidable tragedy. It is unconscionable that BP has full control of its assets, continuing adding to them while people are suffering at the hands of BP's malfeasance. All cleanup efforts and other remediation of losses shall be paid for from this fund. This order takes effect immediately.
- A truth commission is to be formed and allegations of bribery, drug use, regulatory fraud and other criminal activities are to be investigated. Those responsible for such acts, former and present BP employees and executives and former and present government employees and supervisory personnel up to and including the highest authorities in the executive branch, will be identified and these individuals will have the opportunity to testify under oath before the commission. The commission will have the power to act as a grand jury, issuing subpoenas, criminal and civil indictments, arrest warrants and refer those indicted to federal court for trial. Those found guilty shall suffer the fullest penalties as prescribed by law.
- At this time all other real assets operated by BP, refineries, stations and any and all concessions are hereby nationalized and income from these properties is to be re-directed and placed in the aforementioned trust fund.
- At this time it is ordered that a full investigation shall commence of the heretofore secret energy policy meetings organized and presided over by former Vice President Richard Cheney. There have been many serious and credible allegations regarding these meetings and how they may have led directly to the ongoing tragedy in the Gulf. It is government's duty to maintain transparency of its proceedings so that the public trust is not violated. Clearly this trust has at the very least been violated and must be restored. It is for this reason these investigations must commence immediately. This investigation is to be carried out immediately by the appropriate federal enforcement agencies.
It is clear that what has occurred in the gulf goes far beyond the parameters of "accident". It is unconscionable that the millions of innocents whose lives have been shattered and reduced to poverty by the criminal activities of this immense international corporation, its contractors and sub-contractors be allowed to continue for even one moment longer. As President, I have directed the appropriate agencies to carry out these orders immediately and with all due haste. May we now begin the long and hard work of re-establishing the basic trust and decency the citizens of a Democracy have every right to expect from their government. Let it be known the days when wealthy corporations and individuals could subvert the people's government to their own purposes have come to an end. The stakes are far too large to be left to the tender mercies of these entities who have clearly proven themselves to be little better than any other criminal racketeering enterprise. May we meet the measure of this immense task. Let's get to work.