TexasCHLforum.com

The OP is referencing an apology made by a Texas Senator during the hearings today or yesterday for statements made by the President. He likened the fund to be managed by a independent unbiased third party where $20B of BP's money would be then funneled to those deemed appropriate that have been affected by this environmental crisis. The senator called it a shakedown. I'm not sure I completely agree, but there is probably some merit to his point. The President is saying that we're going to take $20B from you, a private company, and do whatever we want with it and there is nothing you can do or say about it.

There is no doubt that BP will pay, but shouldn't that be decided in court? Shouldn't claims have to be made? Shouldn't we find out if there were actually negligence or criminal negligence? What if they did not violate any laws and it was just an accident due to the extreme depth of the well?

BP has said they will pay any valid claim.

Some senator today was asking if anyone has been fired yet. I don't think they would know who to fire at this point. Would you want to fire someone that turned out to not be responsible for any of this?

In a way, I do feel sorry for BP. However, if it is determined that this happened because they were cutting corners then they have slit their own throats.