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And that really is the best option available to us right now. That’s how bad the situation in the Gulf of Mexico<\/a> is. It is yet another horrifying example of the broken—and I would say morally bankrupt—energy system that Americans remain shackled to thanks to republicans and democrats alike.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a reminder, here’s what President Obama had to say<\/a> one month ago when he announced expanded offshore oil drilling:<\/p>\n …we need to move beyond the tired debates of the left and the right, between business leaders and environmentalists, between those who would claim drilling is a cure all and those who would claim it has no place.<\/p>\n Can someone please remind me why exactly do we need to move beyond the “tired” debates?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I’m not tired of those debates at all. In fact, I think we’re just getting started!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eight days ago the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon exploded. Eleven people are missing, presumed dead. The rig is hemorrhaging 42,000 210,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf. The resulting slick is 40 miles wide and 80 miles long. And it’s moving toward a wildlife refuge, people’s homes, and a lucrative shellfishery. All of which means that the best option we have—the best option for the environment, I mean—is lighting an oil slick on fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Super. Just as long as we move beyond the tired debates.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This post originally appeared on Sightline Daily<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Climate Post: Mighty winds a-blowin’<\/a><\/p>\n Gulf of Mexico: from magnificent resource to industrial sacrifice zone<\/a><\/p>\n