I Pledge Allegiance: BP Oil Spill 9July10

by FishOutofWater

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

As a writer and photographer covering the oil spill in the Gulf, I've been frustrated by the well-documented efforts by BP and the U.S. Government to limit media access to the damage. The restrictions tightened last week, when the Coast Guard announced rules that prevent the public--including news photographers and reporters--from coming within 20 meters (about 65 feet) of any response vessels or booms on the water or beaches. Violate the "safety zone" rule and you can be slapped with a $40,000 fine and prosecuted under a Class D felony.

Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen defended the buffer, saying it is "not unusual" to enact measures for "marine events" or "fireworks demonstrations."

continued at Daily Kos....

Suspension of the 1st amendment and the Oil...This is freedom how?

by Vetwife

On this 4th of July, someone is going to have to explain to me why Anderson Cooper is reporting from the gulf about a complete violation of the 1st amendment regarding Freedom of the Press.

I do not care who is President.  I do not care what company it is.  It is our Beaches.  It is our country and people had better wake up to the fact that determining just how close you can get to aim a camera is unacceptable.

http://www.youtube.com/...

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After 11 Weeks of Distaster, Time for Freedom From Oil (PHOTOS)

by Phil Radford II Greenpeace

Eleven weeks ago, BP's Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded into the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers. Since the explosion thousands upon thousands of barrels of oil have spewed into this precious ecosystem, hundreds of wildlife have been affected, the fishing industry has been decimated, and an entire culture is being threatened.

Greenpeace scientists and volunteers have been in the Gulf since week one collecting data and exposing the largest environmental disaster of our time. Using our boats, planes and expertise we've helped reporters gain access to hard to reach areas and documented the disaster ourselves every step of the way. Here are some of our most powerful photos, along with those of others, to share with you what we've seen in the past 11 weeks. On Independence Day this weekend, let us remember that we have yet to achieve energy independence from dirty and harmful fossil fuels.

continued at Daily Kos....