American Morning
Gut Check: Too many hearings?
By Bob Ruff and Carol Costello, CNN
(CNN) – Just last week, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) told reporters there have been just too many congressional hearings on the Deepwater Horizons disaster.
“Well, this is Congress at its best. You know, why don’t we get the oil stopped? All right. Figure out what the hell went wrong, and then have the hearing and get the damn law fixed!”
How many hearings so far? We’ve been keeping track. As of Thursday night, 33 and counting—and it has only been two months. And that got us to wondering, are 33 hearings helping? Hurting? Do they matter at all?
The Thursday hearing that featured the man many consider BP’s top villain, Tony Hayward, was perhaps the mother of all the hearings so far. From 10 a.m. on, Hayward was on the hot seat, alone and silent for more than an hour while lawmakers let ‘em have it.
Here’s a sample:
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI): “Mr. Hayward you will get life back and with a golden parachute back to England.”
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA): “I don't want to know if you're distraught.”
Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY): “You're insulting our intelligence.”
Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX): “Is it true it's all about profit?”
Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH): “It's unconscionable.”
It isn't the first hearing in which a BP executive has been, as Rep. Stupak described it, "fairly sliced and diced." On Tuesday, it was BP America's CEO Lamar McKay's turn. Right after Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) asked McKay to resign, Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) did him one better:
“In the Asian culture we do things differently. During the Samurai days, we would just give you a knife and ask you to commit hara-kiri.”
After Katrina slammed into New Orleans August 19, 2005, there were 24 hearings in the four months that followed. In the two months after the BP disaster, there have been 33.
Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, says “a big piece of the congressional hearing process is about attracting attention. It’s all about congressmen and senators getting themselves on television, especially in an election year.”
But it can backfire. Pure politics perhaps is why at the hearing Thursday Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) apologized to BP, even though the hearing was being held to figure out why oil is still spewing into the Gulf.
“I am ashamed of what happened at the White House yesterday,” he said referring to the agreement between the president and BP to have the company put aside $20 billion to compensate victims of the oil spill.
“I think it is a tragedy of the first proportion that a private corporation would be subjected to what I would characterize as a shakedown.”
Barton is from oil-rich Texas and feels the Obama administration should be on the hot seat too. He later retracted his "apology."
Still, there are those who insist these hearings do matter. Lee Hamilton, the former congressman and now president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, served as vice-chair of the 9-11 Commission. He told CNN that the congressional hearing “process is messy and imprecise…but it’s important lawmakers put witnesses on the spot…they are doing their job…”
And lawmakers on Thursday certainly tried. Although their "star witness" continued to maintain that safety is number one, he didn't really address those specific examples of when BP allegedly ignored safety for profit.
In fact, BP’s CEO had very little to offer the congressmen asking questions. In just one five-minute period he managed to avoid answering questions 13 times. Here’s a sample:
“I can't possibly know…”
“I can't recall.”
“…impossible for me to answer.”
“…can't recall.”
“…don't recall that either.”
Maybe Mr. Hayward and BP will respond differently at the next congressional hearing. Or not.
We want to know what you think. Have we had enough congressional hearings? Post your comments below.
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I wonder when criminal investigations and ethics hearings will come up regarding MMS and Department of Interior? And yes ... too many hearings. Congress doesn't need to micromanage this issue. Four hearings are enough for BP .... Grand Jury, arraignment, trial and sentencing.
Congress should know that WE that just lost our unemployment insurance can not pay our rent, electric, gas to get to a job interview ect... I have a BA Communication, CDL-B, EMT-Basic in paramedic class. I have been to every retail hamburger place to get a job. So PLEASE do not tell me I am waiting around for another 10.00 job. Congress and the tea party candidates have no clue. Its show if you our not a CEO, or a bank who cares. Tent Cities and Bread line our around the comer. Throw them all OUT!
For the gulf oil disaster, we must focus on the resolutions rather than on putting blame. We have to deal with the real problems. To me the two biggest issues it how to stop the oil and gas leak and how to clean up with the least impact to human survival. My suggestion, if Pres. Obama has not done so, is for the President to summon all the brilliant minds in science, engineering and technology in the the US and around the globe. Let those brilliant minds determine the root cause(s) of the problem, gather the data they need, come up with solutions, test, and implement. I see three groups working on this: one for stopping the leak, one for the clean up, and the third for ensuring the two groups are complementing each other's solutions and coordinating efforts. These groups should be supported to make the solutions possible. The other issues on livelihood impact, etc., can be dealt with by non-technical non-science folks. The sooner we get this going, the better for all of us.
Thanks
Concerned citizen
The BP emails which have been discovered after the BP refinery explosion in Texas City are consistent with Hayward's testimony on Thursday. This is more than reason enough to continue congressional hearings regarding BP's irresponsible, unsafe business practices. The folks in congress who voted to deregulate the industry should also be held accountable.
Am I the only person in this country who is able to recall the ear-ringing chants of "Drill Baby Drill" at the Republican National Convention? Am I the only person who is able to understand why "Drill Baby Drill" was chanted in the first place?
American workers lost their lives in the Gulf of Mexico, and in Texas City explosions. This is reason enough for the investigations to continue.
Wake up. We have need for an authentic clean energy policy in this country. We have had the need for one since the oil embargo in the early seventies. We do not have one because 50-plus percent of the profits in the oil industry are paid to shareholders. The percentage was 1% at the beginning of Bush 41's administration.
I don't care how many investigations it takes. Get it done.
Sure we need more hearings! Doesn't it make all of us "feel good" to watch our "elected children" huff & puff, condemn companies & individuals on TV, and then go home or back to their office to get their checks / $$$ from the same people? And yet WE all accept it as business as usual! WE are our own worst enemy because ALL we do is complain, point fingers, yell, scream & shout, and then re elect the same idiots! I would not be surprised if EVERYONE in the U.S. voted all of these children out of office that they would say it was illegal and remain in office! We have done NOTHING for years letting these children take over our rights & decision making process, and now, sadly, for me I think it is way to late to try and get this government back to "for the people".
Watched the show this morning. It was a great idea just to mention that Rep. Baron's apologized and not air it. You saved us Republicans alot of trouble explaining his apology that wasn't an apology.
Keep up the fine journalistic reporting of the whole truth. Lastly, I heard that the "Ethics in Journalism" classes have all been dropped from all colleges' curricula.. Again, CNN has been ahead of the curve!
It is sad to say but we must not forget that our "representatives" are politicians first. I am not one for researching such things, but I would love to know if any of these BP naysayers have received funds or perks from them in the past. They know that their constituents are horrified by the atrocity that continues in the Gulf, and for the lack of accountability and action on BP’s part; so their reaction (our reps) is to hold hearings in which they publicly ridicule those responsible. There is no real outcome, and really no purpose aside from using the hearing as their soapbox in which they prove that they are committed to bringing justice to the culprit responsible for this disaster. However, they in no way provide alternatives, justice, or solutions for this problem. They criticize BP but they are really no better…
Give me a break, think about it, when a suspect is arrested and then arraigned for even the most heinous crime imaginable (which the Horizon disaster and pollution of the Gulf certainly is), there will be an immediate gag order, and no discussion "due to on-going investigations" that will occur. Why then should anyone be suprised that the Crude Exploring Ogre (CEO) employed by BP answered questions the way he did. I suppose hearings in an election year are necessary for political capital, but they are also what is right and wrong with Washington D.C. What did these people really expect? I can't believe that the questions being asked should have been expected to be anything more than rhetorical. It is wonderful to hope that there might be "one question" that sneaks in and catches the target of our anger off guard, but BP hired this guy as CEO for more than just oil drilling knowledge, or lack thereof.
Viewing your coverage and framing of this story was distressing.
Broad story is a private corporation has damaged our shared common resources (and continues without control). The public's interest is fundamental, and your coverage diplaces ignorance about the importance of legislative oversight. Investigation must continue and public hearings, with questions entered into the public record is crucial–even if they are not answered (yet).
As Costello notes, hearings inform legislation to reform existing law and regulate behavior that hurts the public interest. Democracy is messy but procedures are important for discovery of facts and public and institutional learning.
The anchor's (John's fill-in) flippancy about democratic institutions, followed by SYMPATHY for BP CEO "What's the guy supposed to say..." is unacceptable commentary. Give us the news straight, info-rich and reflect on how off-hand mocking style & overuse of opinion affects your viewers. I think media coverage of this sort breeds skepticism among the public that is counterproductive.
I am truly ashamed of our government. What they did yesterday accomplished absolutely nothing. Our government is the last group of people in this world that has the right to point their finger at anyone. Yes, what took place in the Gulf is a tragedy, WE KNOW! If there is one person out there that does not think it was a tragedy, they are an idiot. The only thing that the Energy Panel proved to the world yesterday was what a group of arrogant hypocrits we have for Congress and the pure ignorance that spills from their mouths!
I recorded it all and therefore could speed through the commercials and the commentary!
Found it quite interesting that the WOMEN came really prepared with questions and references that made sense and got real answers! Maybe women should be running this show altogether! But then, what to do with the men – can't keep them home and pregnant – too bad.
Isn't the bottom line that they can't stop the leak until the drilling is finished in August? Poor animals in and out of the water. People can help themselves, animals can't. They show all the birds, awful, but what about the whale sharks living in that area, and, if it hits Florida, the manatees, just to mention two.
I am of the opinion that all the time, energy, effort and money being wasted on hearings that accomplish only Ronald Regan's "I don't remember" results would be better spent STOPPING the leak.
Let's stop destroying the world then fight about who's fault the destruction is.
Too many hearings? Congress not doing anything? What's new?
Every time I listen to Congressmen and women ask questions in hearings such as the ones going on now, it shows me how unintelligent they are about the real world. They show their inability to even know what questions to ask. Then after they get an answer they don't understand it. I can't believe that these people are leading America.
I watched the hearing and felt it was too clever by half. The only things I learned were that many of our elected officials are poorly informed about how business functions and merely wanted to appear clever and angry. Whenever Mr. Hayward tried to give an answer that was responsive, they interrupted and insulted him. We have a serious problem, but our congress wasted an entire day on grandstanding. In short the hearings were a waste of time and an embarrassment to America – in military terms it was a Charlie Foxtrot. America deserves better.
I think the media is creating a mass hysteria type of mindset. Yes there are to many hearings. Let BP concentrate on stopping the oil. The US is turning into a greedy gimme society. I too am embarrassed by the way that the Government, as well as the citizens of the US, is handling this whole issue. I'm sure that BP would much rather the oil be pumped into a ship than to be disbursed all over the Gulf. Yes, it was a horrible accident, yes there will be consequences, should they pay to clean it up, yes, should they pay for plain old greed and 'what-if's" NO. Comon people, where is your pride – you were hurting last year from the economy, How are you any different that thehose out of pocked due to the spotted owl, the auto industry meltdown, the silicone valley crash, etc. Don't let the government and the red tape keep the clean up from happening!!
I think that it's shameful that in the time of a disaster, the congressional hearing's are used for political posturing. This is more proof, of a broken government.
Please tell me why there no one reporting that the US Senate can not pass extended unemployment insurance benefit. The US
will see millions om the street. You will see bread lines in two weeks.
Thank you,
St. Louis Missouri
As usual our politicians are closing the barn door after the horse has gotten out. They need to clean up our own back yard. When are they going to have telivided hearings with the MMS? I for one will make sure to tune in. I know that this is not the agency that needs a close look. Maybe this is where they need to speed time.
Yes, hearings have ther elements of postering. But anyone who lived through the Watergate hearnings knows their value. There are things learned by "Slicing and Dicing" a witness. If a witness is evasive, we can deduce a lot from what and how they evade a question. For instance, there was a lot of evasion during the Watergate hearings about where the money came from for the coverup. This led direclty to campaign reform laws.
So yes, there is a lot of postering, and they can be messy, but they're needed. If you think your senators or congresspersons are psotering, let them know – or kick them out.
Oh brother, you should know that Texas politicians are the nation's wackiest...I live less than 100 miles from Joe Barton and in my town there are Republicans that revere the guy even though our representives is about 200 miles away and unknown as a result of Charlie Stenholm getting gerry-mandered by Tom Delay...
–Now here is: Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX): “Is it true it's all about profit?”–
Of course it is about the profit Mr. Burgess and you know that but the ignorant little old lady that you deceive won't be able to detect that you didn't know it was about the profit...she'll be sure and vote for you good Christian skunk.
And Carol I am a 5th generation Texan and believe this about Joe Barton..he didn't mean that apology...if it were the old days you'd see Joe Barton's shoes under white sheets when the KKK came a calling.
The apology delivered by Joe Barton was equal to the compliments to Italians given by the Senator before excusing his exit during Michael Corleone's hearing apperance in the Godfather II. Trouble with Mr. Barton's was his lack of exit. The oil industry owns Barton and the state of Texas. Is this country great or what?!?
Congressional hearings are a total waste of time in general. They have a place, but have become a showcase for senators and congressmen they keep congressmen busy making a show and takes uo time they should be taking to run the country.
lets see if you are as quick to keep the jerks comments going as you do with the President. ( the jerk, Rep Barton ) and BP
So when are the Congressional hearings for the employees of MMS? The government shares major responsibility here. No wonder the Tea Party is making headway.