Why do so many people have unrealistic expectation about when the oil leak in the Gulf can be stopped?

You haven't been keeping up with the news. They are using all available boats to help with the clean up. Until they stop the flow of oil from the well they are fighting a losing battle.

Shutting down the well is the top priority.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.