I think the US isn't taking over the gusher response

from BP, because the government isn't sure it could handle it (lack of technology, expertise or even a plan). Once they kick BP out of the driver's seat it becomes the fault of the administration for not solving the problem, and allows BP to point back and say "it was under control until the government took over". I am not saying BP is doing anything worthwhile, but I think that this clusterfuck of epic proportions is ultimately being mismanaged by the CYA principle. In which case we all lose.

Then send BP the bill.

and working on plugging the well and the government needs to use everyone at it's disposal for clean up.

During the Exxon Valdez spill, the Army Corps of Engineers ran the clean up then billed Exxon for it.

take over. Otherwise BP et al will claim that they don't have to pay because the gov't didn't so what they would've done and somehow what they would've done would've been cheaper and would've worked. Of course it might not have actually worked, but if we interfere it gives them a legal way out of paying for it all.

Additionally, even on Rachel tonight, it is being said the only known way to deal with a problem like this is a relief well, and it's being drilled. Everything else is hope and faith, which to date hasn't worked.

I'm more upset that deep-water-drilling is continuing and expanding apparently with Obama Administrations blessing even after finding out that "spills" cannot be contained or stopped in a reasonable amount of time.

get to control the clean up.

in the EPA superfund type regulations that might cover it.

He doesn't want to make the US taxpayer responsible for paying for the mess.

We've already gone over this countless times with you. Are you just thick?

At this point it is not productive to worry about finger pointing and who is 'to blame' or even worry about who is ultimately going to pay for it. We need BP, the government and for that matter the rest of the world to be focused on stopping the gusher and doing what they can to clean up. The blame game and worrying about political ramifications just means they sit around with their heads up their collective asses and get nothing done. If it is demonstrated that BP is incapable of fixing this at what point does society say 'lets bring together all the experts we can from where ever they come from and see if we can find a solution'. Besides the fact that we all know BP is going to do everything they can to minimize how much this is going to cost them as far as reparations.

In every case where deep water drilling lead to a blowout, they tried everything BP has tried and plans to try.

It did not work.

In every case the only thing that worked was a relief well.

Better get used to the idea it will be gushing until September.

doesn't worsen the situation. Make that August. ;-)

It is about the effort being managed by people looking out for the common good. BP could care less about the common good.