Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao (LA) weighs in on the oil spill crisis today. Please seen an excerpt of his piece:
I personally know two fishermen who’ve considered taking their own lives. I know of another who actually attempted suicide.
Tied to the fortunes of these fishermen is the seafood and tourism-based economy of New Orleans and neighboring Jefferson Parish. Indeed, with both the commercial fishing and oil and gas industries suffering, Louisiana’s economic future hangs in the balance. With oil washing up along the state’s already fragile coastline, its ecological health is equally as vulnerable.Both BP and the Obama Administration have taken criticism for perceived deficiencies in their responses to this unfolding disaster. Fixing blame, however, is less important than fixing the problem. What matters now is the response going forward. Congress and the Administration must take decisive action to address both short and long-term needs. We will not get a second chance to get this right.