Arm Chair Quarterbacks

We've all done it.  It's a normal human behavior to express one's opinion.  The problem is when these opinions become confused with the facts.  And, it's even more dangerous when aggressive (or arrogant) individuals try to represent their opinion as fact.  Throughout my career, I have been amazed by the number of people who think they can do a particular job just by reading a book.  I guess it is possible that, in my youth, I was arrogant and naive enough to think that experience did not matter.  I am much wiser now.  :-)

But seriously; the term expert applies to an individual with knowledge, experience and skills in a particular domain.  An individual's expertise is based on their knowledge and skills.  And, the way an individual gets expertise is by learning and applying their skills to real world problems.  Experts are not elected or assigned based on political methods (like most managers).  Thus, an individual's expertise has nothing to do with whether they are "in charge" or not.  And, clearly, individuals cannot gain experience (or expertise) simply by being put in charge of something.   

So, where am I going with this, you might ask?

Well ... it's like this:  I see lots of people "arm chair quarterbacking" the Gulf situation.  Instead of doing that myself, I just want to say that this is a difficult situation for all parties.  And, I think we need to let the folks with the knowledge of these kinds of wells do their job.  I am not at all happy with the news media that has been attacking this administration for lack of action; particularly when this particular set of media is very quick to scream whenever the government attempts to do anything that could be perceived as "anti-business".  Nor am I happy with the oil company's response to the situation.  But, I still believe in letting the experts do their job.  And, I am quite sure that this administration does not have any expertise in deep water oil wells.  This is a perfect opportunity for this administration to demonstrate its leadership abilities, by working with the oil company to resolve the problem.  Of course, that is not what is happening.  I guess it was too much to expect leadership from an administration that sees itself as a monarchy.  So, I guess you could say that I am also not happy with the way this administration has handled this crisis.  Basically, I am not happy with the situation.  I think the media should shut up.  I think the administration should demonstrate leadership rather than it's regular political manipulation.  And, I think the oil industry at large should make a commitment to deal with this economic and environmental disaster; so this administration does not use this as an excuse for more big government. 

Hmm ... I guess that was still "arm chair quarterbacking".  I just hope it was in perspective.