Now what are we going to do about it?

OK, so it's important to verify information that appears incredibly obvious. Science can take nothing at face value, which is what makes science a unique discipline. So it's important to verify that the Gulf oil spill is creating vast underwater plumes of toxic waste that are destroying the Gulf ecosystem.
The really important thing to focus on is how can we make sure this never happens again? Obama's response to halt all deepwater drilling was the responsible thing to do. It's hard to imagine that ANYONE can justify the clear and present risk of a second disaster of this magnitude occurring. We humans need to realize how much civilization is teetering on the brink of extinction here. We are monkeying with the base of the food chain in the oceans. Our reliance on fossil fuels has so many negatives that only bull-headed denialists can continue to justify it.

Shades of 1984

Endless war means we will never get out of this vicious cycle of debt and hatred. It's just as General Butler told us all those years ago, but we have forgotten. Truly the plutocrats are in control for the forseeable future. We are so screwed.

Unforgivable

Michael Steele was supposed to be the token Negro in the Republican party. He was the "proof" that Republicans can include people who aren't old and white. He was the window dressing, the cover model who smiles for the camera but doesn't make waves. The party didn't get what it bargained for. He has the disconcerting habit of saying what he really thinks too often. Sure, he's a clown. But then again, so are all the various wing-nuts who seem to be representing what was once the party of Lincoln. There is Boehner, who wears his orange face in a perpetual scowl, and evidently spends most of his time in bars. Michelle Bachmann who generates lists of insane quotes that provide endless amusement but also real fear at the thought that this person was actually chosen to be a leader.  Of course Sarah Palin needs no further introduction. And we all know the true leader of the party is Mr. Limbaugh, the much married and divorced draft-dodger, the addict, the sybarite who has been compared to Saddam Hussein in his love of luxury.
Michael Steele comes off as positively sane compared to the other prominent right-wingers. But he just doesn't toe the party line enough. He insists on having independent thoughts, and that is what makes him unforgivable.