Red Tape Kills
The Coast Guard was asked to allow the Alabama Point/Perdido Pass to be boomed and closed with gate before the oil arrived. They said no. Somehow the oil slipped passed the battalion of helicopters and planes flying over the beaches and oil moved into Perdido Pass and coated Cotton Bayou with its suffocating grasp….. Then the Coast Guard approved boom and a gate over the pass.
The fire chief of Magnolia Springs, Alabama is my new hero. He and others in my hometown devised a plan using barges and boom that will hopefully protect the mouth of Weeks Bay and the two rivers and estuary that lie beyond Big Mouth, as we call it. He applied for permits and asked for help and nobody did anything except threaten to arrest him if they close the mouth.
The barges are in place and at the first sign of oil the mouth of Weeks Bay will be closed. We need MORE people like this who will recognize the absolute fact that red tape involved in disasters like this KILLS! At some point, everyday people have to go beyond what authority says is okay and do the right thing.
James Hinton, you are a man that walks his talk and isn’t afraid to do the right thing, no matter the consequences. Thank you!
Read the New York Times story about Mr. Hinton
2 Replies to “Red Tape Kills”
Thinking of you, may others continue to stride forward out side of the (box ) too like the Fire Chief I wish you all well as you and your friends endevour to try and make things better for the next generation. and the new world ahead in the future. If only other’s could “see ” with fresh eyes what the greater picture is and realise what a true disaster this really is as it unfolds.There will be others who of like mindedness.who also wish you well.
Keep up the great work. May others come forward together to give you the true help that should have been happening in the first place.in the early weeks.
That’s awesome news! I am really loving your posts. Are you still in AL? Is Ray with you? What a warrieress you are my dear friend! Love you bunches.