And yet another enviromental disaster for Queensland

[Ladywytch]

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1035661/defence-should-help-in-oil-spill-hunt

About a year ago we had a frieght ship loose shipping containers containing fertilizer off the coast of Queensland - looking seaward directly oposite the bay where I live. As the containers fell they ripped the hull of the ship and caused an oil leak that destroyed much marine and coastal life and closed our beaches for ages. Even our quiet little bay copped oil. Now it looks like it about to happen again - this time further up the coast on the outskirts of one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on earth - The Great Barrier Reef.
We are now in a sit and wait position and hope that the clean up will be fast enough not to damage our reefs, although if the captian hadn't been out of the shipping lane and not 'speeding' this would never have happened.
This is not good enough - why do the captains and shipping lines refuse to obey the laws set out for international waters and for the countries they are visiting.
This blatent disregard for our laws, our waters, our marine life and our way of life is heartbreaking and intolerable.

M

[Merlyn]

China has been "irresponsible" (for the sake of using a pleasant word) in all ways IMO.
This recent oil spill is another example. We in the US are facing a difficult relationship in our diplomatic and trade issues, with obvious currency manipulation issues at this point with China. This of course has cost us millions of jobs.

Another example of how international trade wreaks havoc across the globe unchecked. I am saddened by this, and the continued disregard for nature by China.
I am also alarmed by my own country and the off-shore drilling which will no doubt cause harm to the bays and fishing off our coast.

I can say that if I felt that another dollar a gallon would go to ensure environmental responsibility, I would gladly pay it.
However, I know any kind of responsibility like this is not likely.

In light,