1. Mr. Ferrara acknowledges that the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is "an environmental tragedy that endangers the prosperity of coastal business that thrive on the natural environment." What reasons does he give for his belief that this spill should not put an end to offshore oil drilling? (his 5 reasons are listed in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6)

2. Have you heard/read any of these reasons in any of the news reports you've seen on the oil spill?

3. Do you think Mr. Ferrara makes a persuasive argument for the continuation of off-shore drilling? Explain your answer.