Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Senator Grassley's solution on BP Oil Spill: Throw Beer in the Ocean

Seriously?
by Bruce of Brews on Jul 2, 2010 in Culture
Senator Grassley's solution on BP Oil Spill: Throw Beer in the Ocean
We're listening Senator Chuck Grassley...

Last week in an interview with Iowa reporters, the state's own Senator Charles Grassley had some thoughts of his own concerning the oil spill. When asked if the Obama administration was doing all it should and what congress could be doing, he felt that not enough was being done and not enough solutions were being explored. 

What other options did the Senator suggest? "I think that there is alternatives to soaking up oil that have not been used yet, there's a process for making beer that I don't want to say yeast or what it is in making beer, but you can put those microscopic things in oil and it heats up the oil and they die and all you got is some methane gas"

Wait... What? 

Surely, Senator, you cannot be suggesting what we think you're suggesting? Upon first glance, Chuck's comment seems infinitely comical in nature. A prideful beer drinker knows that those "Microscopic things" are indeed yeast, and their byproduct would be Alcohol and Carbon Dioxide with regards to the "Process for making beer". What is he talking about by introducing oil into the equation then? 

While we all know beer is a miracle cure for many things, it is not going to clean up the Gulf of Mexico. Senator Grassley's comment was misdirected but his head was in the right place. According to his press secretary, Beth Pellet Levine, his comment was used as a metaphor for a process he heard about in which other bacteria may be able to be used to remove the oil. 

He went on to say: "I think that there is just a lack of attention to a lot of things that ought to be done by the administration that's just not being done," which was his point in proposing the erroneous solution. 

Any ideas that could aid the crisis in the Gulf should be widely embraced by everyone, but for now we can rest assured that our precious ingredients are used only to please our taste buds. 
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
 Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink...read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 5, 2025
Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Under the El on the corner of Front and Oxford is where you'll find this completely open-wall modern Mexican c...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jul 22, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

This summer Liberty Point welcomes River Tiki, a vibrant new 120-seat pop-up bar, to their upper level overlooking the waterfront...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Jul 1, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Since going completely alcohol-free four years ago, Jesse has become the go-to expert in Philadelphia on all t...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jun 3, 2025
Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

With hot summer weather right around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the best spots in Philly to enjoy a huge variety of tequilas and mezca...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 29, 2025
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2025
2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

Philadelphia's thriving beverage industry is being lauded with several accolades...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Apr 6, 2025
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close