The situation in the gulf is a magnification of a bleeding artery with no tourniquet in sight. Since you don't need me to dwell on the catastrophe, here are some observations on presidential crisis communication.

Thinkers are good. Doers are better. Both together is best.

Substance is good. Style is better. Both together is best.

Obama was called "a great orator" and " a great communicator" since he became a national public figure. I've constantly been critical of his speaking style except when he speaks from the heart. When he's done that, he truly has been a great communicator. We don't need or want him to break down in tears speaking about the enormity of the crisis, but we do want to know that he's thought about what it would be like to have had Sascha and Melia on that platform  when it went crashing into the water. We want to know he understands and will help the multitudes who've lost their livelihood. We want to be assured that all the horrendous photos of those once-beautiful, graceful pelicans, now unrecognizable, will force action instead of words and that the fish and wildlife will be cared for and their habitat restored.

Many of the people we've seen interviewed or testifying before congress have been far more emotionally involved than the President. My favorite Chinese Proverb comes to mind again: Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I'll understand.

We need the President to become Commander-in-Chief, appointing someone of the stature of McChrystal and Petraeus - not Brownie, thank you - to become commander of the forces in the war on oil; to TELL the folks at BP, not ASK them what to do next. Give that person the power of the government to draft the necessary talent to plan and EXECUTE the war.

That's what will give Obama the credibility lacking so far.

Those who still hold him "holy" don't see a need for change. Those who truly dislike him are almost gleeful over the spill and his apparent lack of management skills.

So far, to the naked eye the situation resembles the college professor who's in charge of putting down a student rebellion without police participation. Only this is a lot worse.

Mr. President: INVOLVE ME AND I'LL UNDERSTAND.

(As usual, your comments are welcomed and encouraged.)

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