The Special Relationship hits the rocks

Its often said that there is a special relationship between Britain and the US, don't ask me why. Maybe its because we share a common language, similar relious beliefs, similar values, etc but I certainly feel more in common with Americans than our so called European cousins.

However this week it looks like this special relationship as taken a bit of a battering. I'm not talking about the World Cup match,in fact well done the US for holding us to a draw (even if our goalie gift wrapped it for you).

What I am talking about is the stupid speech made by your president about the Gulf oil spill and the way he slated the actions of BP. In fact he couldn't even get their name right calling them British Petroleum, they've not been known that for over 10 years. The company is now a multi-national operation but his speech inferred it was a British problem.
Nobody is saying the Oil spill isn't a major catastophe for the environment but it is everbodys problem, in fact I would say its more of an American problem than a British one as the Oil wells in the Gulf area are there to feed Americas love of having the highest carbon footprint of any country in the world.
Mr Obama is just trying to deflect blame so he and his administration look squeeky clean, thats what he is good at but this time I feel he as opened his mouth without putting his brain into gear.
In defence of BP they have said they will pay for much of the clean up operation which will run into millions so Obamas words weren't even needed. His speech could cause everlasting damage to BP and you must remember this is a company that employs thousands of people (including many americans) and also many pension funds rely on this company doing well, saying things that could push them towards bankruptcy would help none of us. All our governments should in fact be helping them.

In fact its arguable that the Oil spill will turn out to be the fault of BP in the first place, it appears the fault was with a failsafe valve built and fitted by an American company from Houston. This was a specialist company using American engineers working to American safety rules (which arn't as stringent as UK rules).

So my message to Mr Obama is when opening your mouth think first because you've got the backs up of a country who as always been the first to support your country in many different ways including the war on terrorism, global credit crunch, etc.