American politics in the 24 hour news-cycle has become like the weekly National Enquirer. It is composed of “professional” politicians who want to look good for the cameras and make provocative and  sensational statements. In this case, Joe Barton reached way too far. He wanted a headline, he wanted to as a Republican stick his finger in the eye of a Democratic President and thought he would have support. Joe Barton embarrassed himself, embarrassed his party, insulted the people he was elected to represent, and above all embarrassed the United States of America in the arena of public opinion internationally. I understand the anger we all share in the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf , yet there was a much more eloquent way to voice his anger. This is not a White House “shakedown” BP will be paying in full what is owed to the people of the United States directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy. For the oil industry to transform and become more responsible globally is to hit them monetarily as hard as we can, British Petroleum needs to be made an example of, deservedly so. Joe Barton needs to pay a price for his statement too.

‘People are calling for his head’ – Jonathan Allen and Jake Sherman – POLITICO.com.