Updated: Crude awakening---"Mr. President: Now Is the Time For Clean Energy" (with video)

Update: Peter Daou:"The Great Shame: America's Pathetic Response to the Gulf Catastrophe."

Robert Redford, with video (00:30):

I am glad that President Obama announced that he would appoint an independent commission to look at the causes of the blow out and determine what we must do to prevent this from ever happening again. This is an important first step in addressing the national tragedy and coming up with real solutions to prevent future drilling disasters.

But it is not enough.

Right now, the Senate has legislation on the table that would help move us in a new direction and put America back in control of its energy future. The American Power Act, drafted by Senators Kerry and Lieberman, is not perfect-- but it is a significant step toward cutting our dependence on fossil fuels, limiting carbon pollution, and encouraging businesses to shift to clean energy sources.

Unfortunately, the full Senate continues to stall -- weighed down by too much infighting and too many special interests. That's why we need the president to assert his voice and leadership by letting the Senate -- and the American people -- know that he is serious about getting clean energy and climate legislation passed this year.

Americans want action (PDF). It is time for President Obama to use the power of his office to make sure we clean up this mess, and get America on a path to cleaner, safer energy. MORE...

Howie P.S.: Until we approach this with the resources and focus we put into the "Man on the Moon" project or any of our various "wars" (military or not)---it'll be just more talk, smoke and mirrors. Or to put it another way: "THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW."