Speakeasy forum: Why drill offshore

Piper Alpha which consumed the entire rig and killed 167 people in 1988. I didn't have to Google it, I remember it very clearly, it was the worst of the Oil Platform disasters to date, but the problem is, when you're working on a platform 100 feet above the ocean, escape isn't easy or safe. In the North Sea, there are now extensive regulations for the preservation of lives on the Drilling Platforms, including Escape boats into which every body straps themselves, with Survival Suits on and Helmets for the 100 foot free fall into the ocean. I believe the boats are set backwards on the ejection apparatus so that the shock is taken on the back and by the seats when the boat hits the water.

On land, you may lose a couple of men on a big oil fire, but most get away. At sea there's no where to go.

As a side argument, that is the reason for regulation. To prevent deaths and injuries to workers which were common before FDR, or to prevent deaths or injuries from defective or badly designed household items, or unsafe building practices (think about the MGM Grand fire or that walk way that collapsed when the bolts pulled out of the ceiling, or bridge collapses or any number of other things) or predatory, or anti-competitive business practices or unsafe financial practices. Of course Ronnie Ray-gun did away with the financial protections, figuring that everyone could take care of themselves, and if they're not as rich as his backers and he was, who the f*^k cares.

The purpose of government is to protect its citizens from dangers foreign or domestic. That's why regulations tend to pile up over time as new dangers are recognized and as new forms of safety become available. But of course you don't believe in the common good, that's anathema to your Ayn Randian Tea Party view of the world. Gee, I hope your brakes don't fail because your car is faulty, or your mechanic forgets to bleed the system. You could always sue, assuming you survive.

Oh, you knew that Ayn Rand was a devout and outspoken atheist, right? No, probably not.

Rob

and especially when there may be casualties, one drills where one expects to find oil and not just where there are more places to run from trouble. Early hunters faced problems when they encountered bigger and stronger predators after the same game they wanted. Our seas cost countless lives of fishermen and whalers who were just trying to feed their families. The sea was food and fuel too. Unless we find a way to eliminate all need for what's in and under the oceans, people will be hurt and/or killed going after it. Just the way it's always been...

As for the Bernie you mentioned and asked if I knew...do you know him? Have you ever met and had a conversation with him...or me?