Futile attacks

Barack Obama is missing the point on a monumental scale by venting the collective American spleen over BP's unfortunate Tony Hayward.

Valid allegations of safety infringements aboard the drilling vessel, or defects in its construction, will be subjected to an in-depth inquiry, and any proven miscreants should be dealt the full force of the law.

Despite the seriousness of this disaster, how many times must Mr Hayward be hanged or burned in effigy before people realise this is futile?

Maybe this appalling episode will help our transatlantic friends to wake up.

PHIL SWAN

Monaltrie Avenue

Ballater