Allow foreign ships to help with oil spill

I was surprised to find out President Barack Obama has not suspended the Jones Act, which makes it illegal for ships with foreign crews to operate in U.S. waters. George Bush did this (temporary suspension) after Hurricane Katrina. This act prevents many oil skimmer ships from operating in the Gulf to help clean up the oil spill.

The admiral in charge was asked and said that when it (suspension) was needed, they would do it. What! This leak has been going on for more than 50 days, states are begging for help and we do not need all available world ships for the cleanup?

I also was surprised to learn the federal government has $3 billion in an emergency account for oil spill cleanup that it has already collected from the oil companies. Have they not made this money available? Take some of the money and get the foreign ships here now!

Obama said he is going to kick A!!! of those responsible for the oil spill. Maybe he needs to kick those responsible for the government screw-up in oil spill response.

Larry Conrad

Walker