The Gulf Cleanup: Government Incompetence?

Beyond the context of an objective, competence cannot be measured.  For example, imagine a case in which a large tree is to be brought down in a short time and with a minimum human effort; here, we have defined an objective.  Next, imagine three woodcutters, each given his choice of tools for the purpose of felling the tree.  The workman who chooses a power chainsaw will be seen as more competent than one who chooses and axe.  The one who chooses a scout knife will be seen as least competent.



But how shall we evaluate competence when the objectives change -- when time and labor are no longer factors?  The axeman may wish to demonstrate that physical labor combined with skill and a sharp tool is a good alternative in the absence of a power saw.  The third workman may want to show that, given sufficient time and dedication, it is possible to master the task with a relatively primitive tool.

Thought Experiment #1 With that example in mind we may wonder what are the objectives of our government (its principal executives) in connection with the oil gusher on the Gulf floor and damage associated with it.  One hopes the objectives are stopping the flow of oil, mitigating the damage and lifting the moratorium imposed on further drilling.  Who could possibly benefit by prolonging an ecological disaster already two months along without significant containment?

Thought Experiment #2
Assuming that incompetence is, in fact, the primary factor* in the failure of containment and mitigation, and assuming a sense of urgency on the part of government and assuming still further that competent leadership is essential -- well, whom  might one prefer?

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It is axiomatic that in large bureaucratic organizations power and competence are seldom found in the same hands.