Real question: Will BP execs be fired?

OK, here we go. Just as righteous indignation against Brit Pet has finally gone coast to coast. Is this something from the madmen?

Have you noticed the spattering of news stories showing up about "you shouldn't pick on poor old BP." You need jobs. You can't forbid deep-sea drilling to keep Louisiana employed. Forget that BP has shut down nearly the whole state. The country needs the oil production.

No. the country wants cheap oil. That is self-evident until now. Other countries pay more for their energy with no or smaller spills. What is all this going to cost when it's over, If ever?

Pension funds are going to suffer due to the reduction in BP's capital worth. This is true. But the real question is: Will the pension administrators fire any BP executives and the board of directors? Doesn't doing it on the cheap really cost more?

Is this good corporate management? What has happened to the rule the market will decide? Well-run companies generate dividends and growth. We need to scare these corporate "wonder boys." Fire a few, and you will see the rest get religion real fast. BP will fix it all, either by money or resources. The safety record says no. This is going to continue. Get ready for more warm and fuzzy stories. As this goes on, will we forget how mad we are?

Tim Baldwin

Glendale Heights