U.S. opens criminal probe of oil spill

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/38005.html

By JOSH GERSTEIN

6/1/10 1:50 PM EDT

Updated: 6/2/10 7:11 AM EDT
 
Constitution Connection: The Fifth Amendment states, " No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
 
Explanation of Connection:  The United States government is promising to seek out the persons responsible for the oil spill, especially if there were violations in the law. President Obama and Attorney General, Eric Holder state that their priority is to contain the spill then find the persons who were responsible for the spill and make them accountable.

     The government's efforts to find out what happened and to prosecute any person who might be responsible of crimes is forcing people involved to take the Fifth Amendment.  One of the rigs manager, Robert Kaluza, took the Fifth Amendment in order not to testify at a government hearing where he might incriminate himself or others who work for BP Organization.

     I feel that people need to feel that they are protected by the Amendments of the Constitution.  Although, people might be guilty of a crime they should still be given rights. If there are no rules or Amendments that are being enforced then there is the possibility that the Government could become abusive and do whatever they want . The  reason that the Constitution was written  was to protect the citizens of the United States. All the power cannot be held just  by the government.