Tomorrow evening, President Obama is making an address to the American people regarding the mess in The Gulf. 

Like many events in life – this one was not of his doing, nor is it something that he can have much control over.  Yet for now – he is our leader, President of The United States.  It is his watch and so it is his problem, responsibility – and opportunity.

Problem – the eyes of the nation are on two places – The Gulf and The White House – as fast as the oil is blowing out of its hole – 1 mile under the sea and washing up on our shorelines, people are getting fed up that the strongest nation in the world seems to be unable to react – we are seemingly standing by watching as BP splashes about – with no end in site.  The President is being weakened by this event.

Responsibility – President Obama has not been shy about pointing fingers at the past administration – on a range of topics.  This time there will be no credible way to blame former President Bush.  This is squarely President Obama’s problem (and ironically any chance he might have had to slip the blame went out the window when several months ago he announced his administrations support of expanded off-shore drilling along the east coast of our country).  He is our leader – he must lead.

Opportunity – This is an opportunity which President Obama needs to take.  For too long have we used oil and coal, when we know that the time will come when we have to leave these fuels behind.  President Obama this can be your moment to but the nation on a clean energy path.  And, yes – it will not happen overnight – but can we take this disaster and use it to create a 20 year plan to move the nation off of fossil fuel once and for all?

The eyes of our Nation and the world are upon you………..

--------------------------

Read the original post at The Climate Community.