Loathe ‘em or hate ‘em, you have to admire BP’s plucky determination to find positives in any situation.

[Marine biologist Rick Steiner, whose earlier posts at FDL are here and here, writes this letter to BP asking for the second twenty billion dollars, for a Gulf Restoration Fund]

It’s now an article of faith among wingnuts that the administration’s actions regarding BP is more proof that Adolf Obamastalin is moving us one step closer to fascism, or communism, or something.

But…but…sometimes mistakes happen.

As the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico approaches its 2-month mark, there are a few points that deserve to be made, as update. The world is now starting to appreciate the enormity of this disaster, which is likely already the largest “accidental” oil spill in history.

On Sunday, Rahm Emanuel said this about Joe Barton’s (R-TX) apology to BP’s CEO. “That’s not a political gaffe, those are prepared remarks,” said Emanuel. “That is a philosophy.” But the Quitter wasn’t having any of it.

Why all of the Republican hand-wringing and pearl-clutching and phony outrage about Barton’s apology to BP’s CEO? Look at this press release from Republican Study Committee chairman Tom Price (R-GA), dated 6/16 — the day before Barton’s nationally-televised apology to BP’s chairman.

Stunning video is now available that suggests oil is now leaking from the sea floor around the well spilling oil into the Gulf. This could serve as confirmation that the well casing has been breached.

The drumbeat has already started: We can’t afford to indict BP because it would cause a lot of harm to employees and shareholders. The Obama Administration has demonstrated its acceptance of this mindless mantra, and we shouldn’t hope to win real sanctions against this rapacious company. But what are the consequences for the employees of BP who created the mess? “The New York Times” reports that criminal indictments aren’t likely against employees, except at very low levels. That seems odd.

You’ve probably seen Scarecrow’s post about Joe Barton’s heartfelt apology to BP’s Tony Hayward. But as Steve Benen points out, it’s nothing new. Leaping to BP’s defense has become something of a wingnut meme.