The Measure of a Disaster

The true magnitude of the oil escaping into the Gulf of Mexico must be assessed in order to respond effectively.

The amount of oil in the water will stop increasing when the flow from the well ceases. The disaster can still grow.

The amount of oil in the ecosystem will stop increasing when the oil in the water column gets to the surface. The disaster can still grow.

The ecological damage will stop growing when the oil leaves the food chain. The disaster can still grow.

The social, political and economic damage may never cease to grow.

Nothing more needs to be known before amelioration efforts begin. The scale is unknown. It should be at least the entire assets of BP. The owners civil liability is limited to their investment in the corporation. The board of directors and the responsible executives criminal liability should extend to all they are or hope to be. Chattel slavery is not legal under the constitution. Debt slavery is allowed. It is not considered cruel or unusual.

I am glad to see the Times is carrying out its responsibilities.