Well ...

This is from an article in the Austin American-Statesman today:

"A little more than a year before the spill [that is currently polluting the Lousiana coast], BP [British Petroleum] had downplayed the risk of such an accident.

"In a 52-page exploration plan and environmental impact analysis dated February 2009, BP repeatedly suggested it was unlikely, or virtually impossible, for an accident to occur that would lead to a giant crude oil spill and serious damage to beaches, fish, mammals and fisheries. BP's plan [Yes, companies do their own environmental impact statements under U.S. law. If you thought the federal government was doing those analyses, you were mistaken.], filed with the federal Minerals Management Service for the Deepwater Horizon well [the one that blew out], says repeatedly it is 'unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface oil spill would occur from the proposed activities.'

"Although BP conceded that a spill would 'cause impacts' to beaches, wildlife refuges and wilderness areas, it argued that 'due to the distance to shore (48 miles) and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected.'"

Well. Okay! So, what's everybody so worried about? In BP we trust. It's all going to be fine. No significant adverse impacts are expected. Everyone can go home and rest easy. BP's got it all under control.

Seriously, someone believed them. Or, else, someone just didn't care whether what they said was true or not.

"Come on guys! Let's go make some money!"