O-mama - Opinionated Moms

Photo Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett

According to The Guardian, Tony Hayward is leaving his position as BP’s chief executive.  Hayward, who has been at BP for 28 years, has been taking heat over his handling of the Gulf oil spill.  He is being criticized for his comments downplaying the environmental impact of the spill, and that he "wants his life back."  Hayward initiated a $50 million PR campaign to salvage BP's name during the crisis. Second quarter earnings at the company are expected to be at a loss as the estimated costs for capping the well, paying out claims and fines reported to be around $30 billion.  Hayward will likely be replaced by American Bob Dudley who has been overseeing the clean-up operation.  Hayward is expected to receive a multi-million pound severance package and retirement benefits.

MOMism: "Time Out."  When our KID-Os mess up, they are removed from the situation to ponder their behavior.  In this case, the executive in charge of breaking laws that resulted in the death of 11 men and the biggest environmental disaster in our country's history is going to get a golden parachute out of the crisis, instead of the ultimate "time out"...JAIL. Companies might take the appropriate precautions and follow the rules if there were stiffer consequences.