Why Would Joe Barton Defend BP?

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Why Would Joe Barton Defend BP?

Barton is one of Big Oil’s biggest boosters. Before his election to Congress, Barton was an executive with ARCO, which was later acquired by BP.

He has taken $1.4 million in campaign contributions from the industry since 1989, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Barton’s backers have been political action committees and employees of Anadarko Petroleum, Exxon Mobil and Valero Energy, the watchdog group reported.

Oh.

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222 comments
1 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:48:21am

B-B-But Obama hates America! And oil!

2 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:49:26am

Well where's the fun in playing "connect the dots" if the puzzle has only two dots?

3 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:50:49am

Mr. Show was right. Our whole political and economic system is based on elaborate series of blowjobs.

4 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:51:29am

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

5 Mad Al-Jaffee  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:51:50am

These new threads are appearing at lightning speed! I'll never be able to read them all!

6 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:51:54am

I woke up yesterday morning and the first thing that came to mind was the spill in the Gulf.. This is worse than a slow motion train wreck...I have never seen anything like this disaster in my life...
It's like we are watching the Earth bleed out in real time....
My heart is heavy

7 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:51:59am

MSNBC is streaming the Hayward appearance before congress right now...could be good to put that video feed at the top of this thread.

8 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:52:13am

He's about as credible as the bought-and-paid-for senator in "Godfather II".

"I just want to say that Eye-talian Americans are some of the finest people among my constituents."

Yes, Senator, but we're talking about the Mafia here.

9 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:53:23am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

No.

10 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:54:47am

Before his election to Congress, Barton was an executive with ARCO, which was later acquired by BP.


Ooooops.

11 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:54:50am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

Yes it is rude. But too often accurate.

12 Mad Al-Jaffee  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:55:08am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

Doesn't that describe most of them?

13 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:55:41am

Who's surprised?
I'm not surprised.
Are you surprised?

14 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:56:09am

re: #7 darthstar

MSNBC is streaming the Hayward appearance before congress right now...could be good to put that video feed at the top of this thread.

c-span as well.

But I think they're about to take a break?

15 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:56:24am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

Are we talking etiquette or accuracy?

16 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:56:25am

re: #14 reine.de.tout

c-span as well.

But I think they're about to take a break?

Yes, one hour recess.

17 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:56:39am

re: #13 webevintage

Who's surprised?
I'm not surprised.
Are you surprised?

I'm shocked, SHOCKED!

/

18 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:57:05am

re: #11 EdDantes

GMTA

19 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:57:48am

re: #9 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

No.

GMTA.

20 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:58:11am

re: #12 Mad Al-Jaffee

Doesn't that describe most of them?

I don't think so.

21 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:58:18am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

no, not at all...a perfect descriptor
you tax dollars at work
one huge gang of self centered thieves

22 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:58:35am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?

If the congressman or -woman is an actual whore in professional life, yes. In that case, the correct term is "sex worker".

If not, "whore" will do in almost every case.

23 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:58:38am

re: #15 Decatur Deb

Are we talking etiquette or accuracy?

The latter.

24 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:58:48am

Joe Barton - Environmental record

Rep. Barton has been regarded as a global warming skeptic[5] and his opposition to addressing global warming has been consistent and long-term. Barton is considered an oil industry apologist, most notably by rebuffing the White House for asking for a cleanup fund from BP in response to the Gulf Oil Spill disaster. His largest donors are oil and gas companies and his ranking member status on the Energy and Commerce Committee present a clear conflict of interest.

As a chairman with primary responsibility over the energy sector, Barton has consistently acted over the years to prevent congressional action on global warming.[10] In 2001, Barton declared, "as long as I am chairman, [regulating global warming pollution] is off the table indefinitely. I don't want there to be any uncertainty about that."[11] Barton led opposition to amendments that would have recognized global warming during consideration of the Energy Advancement and Conservation Act in 2001, opposing an amendment to require the President to develop and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels as called for by the non-binding United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to which the U.S. is a party.[12] In 2003, Barton again opposed amendments that would have recognized global warming during consideration of the National Energy Policy Act of 2003, opposing a nonbinding amendment that would have put Congress on record as saying that the U.S. should "demonstrate international leadership and responsibility in reducing the health, environmental, and economic risks posed by climate change."[13] In July 2003, Barton offered an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act to remove language that both recognized global warming and called on President Bush to reengage with the international community to find solutions.[14] In addition, Barton has consistently opposed proposals to reduce the nation's dependence on oil.[15][16][17]

25 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:59:00am

re: #7 darthstar

MSNBC is streaming the Hayward appearance before congress right now...could be good to put that video feed at the top of this thread.

What's frustrating is that the panel doesn't know enough to ask the right questions.

They need to ask about the negative tests, whether they ran the negative tests and then, whey did they IGNORE the results?

26 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:59:19am

re: #21 albusteve

no, not at all...a perfect descriptor
you tax dollars at work
one huge gang of self centered thieves

Not all. I'm talking about Barton.

27 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 9:59:50am

re: #22 Cato the Elder

If the congressman or -woman is an actual whore in professional life, yes. In that case, the correct term is "sex worker".

If not, "whore" will do in almost every case.

I think he's whoring.

28 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:00:27am

The White House had a nice response to Mr Barton:

"What is shameful is that Joe Barton seems to have more concern for big corporations that caused this disaster than the fishermen, small business owners and communities whose lives have been devastated by the destruction. Congressman Barton may think that a fund to compensate these Americans is a 'tragedy', but most Americans know that the real tragedy is what the men and women of the Gulf Coast are going through right now. Members from both parties should repudiate his comments."

But alas, they're just words.

29 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:00:38am

re: #11 EdDantes

Yes it is rude. But too often accurate.

By the way, I mean no offense to those ladies who perform a requested service and will bend over backwards (as it were) to please their clients.

30 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:01:00am

re: #25 reine.de.tout

What's frustrating is that the panel doesn't know enough to ask the right questions.

They need to ask about the negative tests, whether they ran the negative tests and then, whey did they IGNORE the results?

A lot of focus on the "centralizers". These are not really a big issue. From the Roi:

A couple of things. First: the centralizers. This is a red herring Haliburton is trolling out. Yes if they were all run there would be a slightly higher chance of getting a better cement job-only slightly.

The cement companies always want everything in the world to cover their ass when they don't get a good cement job. The centralizers increase the risk that you won't get the casing down all the way. They also reduce the chances that you will be able to circulate the well once the casing is down-which virtually guarantees you won't get a cement job. Half the jobs we cut the number of centralizers.

Best practice if in a hole where loses are evident is cut the centralizers but increase the amount of cement. I think Haliburton doesn't want to talk about the use of gas infused cement which may have contributed if not caused the kick that ultimately blew up the rig. Also Haliburton ran the negative tests which showed the well would come in if the pressure was reduced and had to be part of the discussion of those test results.

31 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:01:28am

re: #29 EdDantes

By the way, I mean no offense to those ladies who perform a requested service and will bend over backwards (as it were) to please their clients.

Are you discriminating against rentboys?

32 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:01:33am

re: #28 darthstar

The White House had a nice response to Mr Barton:

But alas, they're just words.

but it helps when the words are true, as in this statement

33 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:02:22am

The joke is that Rep Barton would remain a more valuable asset if he had kept his mouth shut during a fairly meaningless bit of CSPAN drama.

34 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:03:05am

re: #26 MandyManners

Not all. I'm talking about Barton.

Barton is a congressman, congressmen are whores

35 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:03:54am

re: #31 Cato the Elder

Are you discriminating against rentboys?

No, I avoid them all equally.

36 Nimed  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:04:29am

Mmm, I'm far from being sympathetic to Barton, but from that information alone, it's unclear that he would have an interest in defending BP.

37 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:05:27am

re: #25 reine.de.tout

What's frustrating is that the panel doesn't know enough to ask the right questions.

They need to ask about the negative tests, whether they ran the negative tests and then, whey did they IGNORE the results?

Hayward's response seems to be a standard "I was not involved in that decision"...of course you weren't, asshole. You're the CEO. You go to luncheons, dinners, golf trips, and sit on a monthly board meeting to have people tell you how much money you're making. What you should do is bring the person who is responsible for making those decisions with you so he can answer the questions.

Having Hayward testify is a waste of time. Get the platform managers on the stand. They know what was and wasn't done, and they can answer the questions without having to look at their notes. When they say "We were told not to do that" then the person above them can testify as to why he gave such an order, etc. until it gets back to Hayward...but he should be the last person they talk to, and not the first.

38 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:06:04am

re: #35 EdDantes

No, I avoid them all equally.

I don't avoid them, but I do deny them my essence.

39 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:07:12am

re: #37 darthstar

Hayward's response seems to be a standard "I was not involved in that decision"...of course you weren't, asshole. You're the CEO. You go to luncheons, dinners, golf trips, and sit on a monthly board meeting to have people tell you how much money you're making. What you should do is bring the person who is responsible for making those decisions with you so he can answer the questions.

Having Hayward testify is a waste of time. Get the platform managers on the stand. They know what was and wasn't done, and they can answer the questions without having to look at their notes. When they say "We were told not to do that" then the person above them can testify as to why he gave such an order, etc. until it gets back to Hayward...but he should be the last person they talk to, and not the first.

it's a dog and pony show....Barton is the star at the moment...I doubt anything substantive will come out of these hearings

40 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:07:26am

re: #29 EdDantes

By the way, I mean no offense to those ladies who perform a requested service and will bend over backwards (as it were) to please their clients.

Not all hookers are female.

41 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:07:40am

re: #34 albusteve

Barton is a congressman, congressmen are whores

Not all.

42 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:07:56am

re: #38 Cato the Elder

I don't avoid them, but I do deny them my essence.

essence?...
snort

43 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:07:56am

re: #38 Cato the Elder

I love an appropriate Dr. Strangellove reference.

44 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:08:50am

We have a glibertarian "conservative" working in our office at the moment. When I was commenting on how bad this thing is looking at it. His response was "so, you drive a car powered by gas which requires oil..shit happens". If that's the conservative way of winning friends and influencing people then conservatism has lost any shred of humanity.

45 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:09:31am

re: #39 albusteve

Congressional hearings rarely provide anything substantive since they're designed to let the Members pontificate and grandstand for the benefit of their constituents - making them look important and as though they're doing something on the issue at hand.

46 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:10:13am

re: #41 MandyManners

Not all.

whoever they are, they don't count...if they are clean they have no voice and you have to play the game to hope to be re-elected, which is the primary goal of 'serving'

47 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:10:42am

re: #40 MandyManners

Not all hookers are female.

Quite right. I should have said ladies and gentleman. My apologies to the man-whores.

48 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:12:01am

The really disturbing thing isn't that Barton made that statement, by the way -- it's that he doesn't seem to think he's going to suffer any negative political consequences from it. And so far, that calculation seems to be correct; the reactions I'm seeing from conservatives on blogs and Twitter are overwhelmingly in favor of what Barton said.

49 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:12:17am

re: #45 lawhawk

Congressional hearings rarely provide anything substantive since they're designed to let the Members pontificate and grandstand for the benefit of their constituents - making them look important and as though they're doing something on the issue at hand.

yeah, but nothing tops off like a good SC nominee hearing...the Big Show!

50 Batman  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:12:31am

It's brilliant. Obama gets BP to destroy their own oil rig to destroy the oil industry, and Barton plays Good Cop to Obama's Bad Cop take the heat off of both Obama and BP. The final scene is Barton, Obama and Hayward on a beach sipping mojitos. Somewhere far away from the gulf, of course.

51 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:15:05am

re: #48 Charles

And that's surprising why? ODS is the fuel for the movement at the moment. Even if Obama were to magically make the oil disappear they would find a reason to criticize him.

52 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:15:30am

re: #48 Charles

I' m a conservative and I think he should have kept his mouth shut or at least prefaced his remarks by saying, "I'm an oil man..."

53 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:16:07am

Really disturbing, he's the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

54 Nimed  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:16:09am

re: #50 nonsense

It's brilliant. Obama gets BP to destroy their own oil rig to destroy the oil industry, and Barton plays Good Cop to Obama's Bad Cop take the heat off of both Obama and BP. The final scene is Barton, Obama and Hayward on a beach sipping mojitos. Somewhere far away from the gulf, of course.

Upding for a simple and well engendered conspiracy theory.

55 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:16:14am

Heh. Some GOPers are pissed at Barton.

Republicans, particularly Gulf state lawmakers, are furious at Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and may ask him to cede his job as top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee in the wake of his apology to BP Thursday.

"People are calling for his head," said a GOP member of the committee.

It's on Boehner to sort this out, but the Gulf Coast reps can't be happy with that crap, regardless of what side of the aisle they're on.

56 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:18:34am

re: #55 lawhawk

"...top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee in the wake of his apology to BP Thursday."

Of course he should step down.

57 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:18:40am

re: #46 albusteve

whoever they are, they don't count...if they are clean they have no voice and you have to play the game to hope to be re-elected, which is the primary goal of 'serving'

I don't buy that at all.

58 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:19:02am

re: #55 lawhawk

Heh. Some GOPers are pissed at Barton.

It's on Boehner to sort this out, but the Gulf Coast reps can't be happy with that crap, regardless of what side of the aisle they're on.

The leaders may realize what a political disaster this statement is, but from what I'm seeing, the right wing base is solidly behind Barton.

59 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:19:35am

re: #55 lawhawk

Heh. Some GOPers are pissed at Barton.

It's on Boehner to sort this out, but the Gulf Coast reps can't be happy with that crap, regardless of what side of the aisle they're on.

With any luck, he's flushed the industry's investment in him.

60 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:20:06am

re: #55 lawhawk

Heh. Some GOPers are pissed at Barton.

It's on Boehner to sort this out, but the Gulf Coast reps can't be happy with that crap, regardless of what side of the aisle they're on.

This is the kinda shit that can lead to a party schism. Or at least to a good ass-beating off camera.

61 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:20:17am

re: #50 nonsense

It's brilliant. Obama gets BP to destroy their own oil rig to destroy the oil industry, and Barton plays Good Cop to Obama's Bad Cop take the heat off of both Obama and BP. The final scene is Barton, Obama and Hayward on a beach sipping mojitos. Somewhere far away from the gulf, of course.

Combination of John Grisham and Robert Ludlum.

62 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:21:22am

re: #58 Charles

The leaders may realize what a political disaster this statement is, but from what I'm seeing, the right wing base is solidly behind Barton.

ODS reigns supreme amongst the right these days. Doesn't matter how you contort yourself, as long as you can find the anti-Obama angle, you're gold.

63 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:22:05am

re: #58 Charles

This gives the leadership the opportunity to put their foot down on the craziness and just flat out stupidity of the likes of Barton, but I frankly doubt it.

Why would the GOP want to upset the perfect storm of craziness and anti-incumbency sentiment towards the Democrats (as seen in recent polling that suggests Democrats are more susceptible than GOPers on the reelection efforts). They've got the crazies mobilized on their behalf. The short term expediency trumps the long term survival of the party as a legitimate national party.

They wont act, even when it is in the party's long term interests to rid itself of the likes of the Birchers and conspiracy loons.

64 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:22:08am

re: #61 MandyManners

Combination of John Grisham and Robert Ludlum.

Wolf and sheepdog--Fritz Frehling:

Image: sam_and_ralph_clock.png

65 Nervous Norvous  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:22:10am

If Obama had said "The government will clean this up" they would have been apologizing to the tax payers for the costs or screaming that it was another BP bailout.

It's really hard to watch the hard right be led around by the nose like this..oh who the hell am I kidding..it's fucking hilarious.

66 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:22:45am

re: #37 darthstar

Hayward's response seems to be a standard "I was not involved in that decision"...of course you weren't, asshole. You're the CEO. You go to luncheons, dinners, golf trips, and sit on a monthly board meeting to have people tell you how much money you're making. What you should do is bring the person who is responsible for making those decisions with you so he can answer the questions.

Having Hayward testify is a waste of time. Get the platform managers on the stand. They know what was and wasn't done, and they can answer the questions without having to look at their notes. When they say "We were told not to do that" then the person above them can testify as to why he gave such an order, etc. until it gets back to Hayward...but he should be the last person they talk to, and not the first.

BP doesn't want the platform managers on the stand.

67 jc717  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:22:58am

re: #10 reine.de.tout

Oooops.

I wonder how much his stock options spiked in value when the buyout was announced...

68 Nimed  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:23:29am

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton apologizes to BP CEO for '$20 billion shakedown'

Ah! That was fast.

69 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:25:10am

It's a shakedown if the money goes to Obama or someone close to him. It's reparations if it goes to the people damaged.

At what point will corporations understand that cutting corners on safety costs more than just being safe?

70 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:25:45am

OT:

Check out the LGF Cookbook blog for information on distribution of the proceeds.

And oh, while you're there - check out the cookbooks for sale, too!

I've just posted a payment of $112.50 to LGF, and a second one of $112.50 to Soldier's Angels, from LGF Readers.

71 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:26:11am

re: #66 reine.de.tout

BP doesn't want the platform managers on the stand.

And so long as BP's got meat puppets like Barton running interference, they never will be. This hearing is a joke, from start to finish. Like lawhawk said, this is simply for voter consumption, something that the Congress critters can take back and say "See, I was being tough on them!" If they actually asked any substantive questions, they might get answers that they don't want getting out.

72 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:30:27am

Twitter is like a 24/7 ever changing national poll...it's changing the political landscape

73 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:30:43am

re: #55 lawhawk

Heh. Some GOPers are pissed at Barton.

It's on Boehner to sort this out, but the Gulf Coast reps can't be happy with that crap, regardless of what side of the aisle they're on.

On the video at that link, Barton also apologized for saying "British Petroleum". Hee hee.

74 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:30:50am

re: #42 albusteve

essence?...
snort

Pissant.

Now go make me a drink of distilled rainwater and grain alcohol.

75 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:32:27am

re: #70 reine.de.tout

OT:

Check out the LGF Cookbook blog for information on distribution of the proceeds.

And oh, while you're there - check out the cookbooks for sale, too!

I've just posted a payment of $112.50 to LGF, and a second one of $112.50 to Soldier's Angels, from LGF Readers.

Hooray!

76 What, me worry?  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:32:51am

re: #27 MandyManners

I think he's whoring.

Absolutely. Actually, that was my first response in the downstairs thread, but I got pissed at losthiker and got distracted.

He's either a whore for the Oil God or he's pimpin for the Oil God. Either way, he cares more about following the money trail than "the little people."

77 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:33:28am

re: #58 Charles

The leaders may realize what a political disaster this statement is, but from what I'm seeing, the right wing base is solidly behind Barton.

It's great that they're trying so hard to protect their base, but it's not like that group is going to go vote for a Democrat anyway...I think they might want to at least consider reaching out to moderates sometime between now and November.

78 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:33:56am

re: #73 wrenchwench

On the video at that link, Barton also apologized for saying "British Petroleum". Hee hee.

Barton is FiveoneFive?

79 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:34:21am

re: #77 darthstar

It's great that they're trying so hard to protect their base, but it's not like that group is going to go vote for a Democrat anyway...I think they might want to at least consider reaching out to moderates sometime between now and November.

Shh.... Don't give them any ideas!

Keep circling the wagons boys!

80 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:34:23am

re: #3 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Mr. Show was right. Our whole political and economic system is based on elaborate series of blowjobs.

You have such a way with words... Very succinctly put. I envy that kind of talent...

81 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:34:59am

re: #64 Decatur Deb

Wolf and sheepdog--Fritz Frehling:

Image: sam_and_ralph_clock.png

I've been googling and watching Foghorn Leghorn videos for the past 10 minutes.

82 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:35:07am

BBL Lizards..It's a near perfect day in Indiana so I'm going 'swimming'
Reason #38 never to have a pool..
He had 2 huge storms the last couple of nights...It looks like somebody drowned an oak tree in the pool.. I'm not going swimming..I'm going cleaning...At least the music is loud...Never get a swimming pool...:0

83 Reginald Perrin  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:35:35am

Question: What’s 14 inches long and hangs between Tony Hayward’s legs?

Answer: Joe Barton’s tie.

84 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:35:51am

re: #78 darthstar

Barton is FiveoneFive?

FiveoneFive has had words with Barton--straightened him out.

85 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:36:10am

re: #74 Cato the Elder

Pissant.

Now go make me a drink of distilled rainwater and grain alcohol.

I wish I could, but it hasn't rained where I am in almost nine months...so will have to imbibe straight up...you can do it

86 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:36:43am

re: #66 reine.de.tout

BP doesn't want the platform managers on the stand.

If Congress were interested in finding out what happened, it would subpoena them. BP cannot prevent its employees from answering a summond to Congress.

87 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:37:04am

re: #58 Charles

The leaders may realize what a political disaster this statement is, but from what I'm seeing, the right wing base is solidly behind Barton.

And that clip is being saved for political ads this fall. Nothing like a GOP committee chair publicly brown-nosing an oil exec. And they can nicely intersperse it with clips of oil washing ashore and oil-drenched birds being cleaned.

88 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:37:38am

re: #82 HoosierHoops

BBL Lizards..It's a near perfect day in Indiana so I'm going 'swimming'
Reason #38 never to have a pool..
He had 2 huge storms the last couple of nights...It looks like somebody drowned an oak tree in the pool.. I'm not going swimming..I'm going cleaning...At least the music is loud...Never get a swimming pool...:0

We have a pool, but then we live in an apartment so if anything happens its up to the management to take care of it.

At least we don't have to worry about B.P. polluting it.// :P

89 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:37:43am

re: #76 marjoriemoon

Absolutely. Actually, that was my first response in the downstairs thread, but I got pissed at losthiker and got distracted.

He's either a whore for the Oil God or he's pimpin for the Oil God. Either way, he cares more about following the money trail than "the little people."

no surprise...it's built into the system, mass doses of CYA

90 MandyManners  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:38:44am

Don't blame BP for not getting to the truth. Congress has the power to subpoena people.

91 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:39:19am

re: #77 darthstar

It's great that they're trying so hard to protect their base, but it's not like that group is going to go vote for a Democrat anyway...I think they might want to at least consider reaching out to moderates sometime between now and November.

moderates are in hiding shitting themselves...Newt/Palin!

92 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:40:41am

re: #86 MandyManners

If Congress were interested in finding out what happened, it would subpoena them. BP cannot prevent its employees from answering a summond to Congress.

people disappear...I saw it on TV

93 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:41:11am

re: #71 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

And so long as BP's got meat puppets like Barton running interference, they never will be. This hearing is a joke, from start to finish. Like lawhawk said, this is simply for voter consumption, something that the Congress critters can take back and say "See, I was being tough on them!" If they actually asked any substantive questions, they might get answers that they don't want getting out.

These sorts of hearings always are.
They aren't really talking to each other.
They're all of 'em talking to their constituents/customers.

As I said here, they're not even asking the right questions.

94 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:41:12am

re: #91 albusteve

moderates are in hiding shitting themselves...Newt/Palin!

I didn't know you were secretly hoping for the Republicans to fall further. You sly dog!

95 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:43:12am

So does anyone really doubt that the GOP is shamelessly bought and paid for by big oil? The fact that they are so bought and paid for that they will ignore the damage caused by the spill and deny AGW openly should not be a shock. What is shocking is that they are callously even considering the oil companies to be the victims here.

Even right leaning writers here are are feeling sorry for poor poor BP. There is much talk about poor oil workers. That is crocodile tears if I ever saw them. Obviously I feel sorry for those out of work on the rigs.

Obviously there are many thousands more also out of work and America is made of more than oil people.

It is time we shut down oil. That can not be done overnight but there are some very large benefit to moving in that direction. This not only has economic, military and security benefits. This not only helps to avoid ecological catastrophe and ultimate collapse through AGW.

It also gets immoral whores like Barton to have to work honestly for a change because it will dry up that particular pig trough.

96 CarleeCork  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:43:19am

re: #4 MandyManners

Is it rude to call a congressman a "whore"?


Nope! Especially when you're talking about Joe "Blow" Barton.

97 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:44:18am

re: #94 darthstar

I didn't know you were secretly hoping for the Republicans to fall further. You sly dog!

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Does the GOP look ready to do that yet?

I think they're gonna have to fall further beforehand, a run for president by Palin in 2012 might do the job....

98 Mad Al-Jaffee  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:44:57am

re: #92 albusteve

people disappear...I saw it on TV

"It happens...people just explode. Natural causes."

-Repo Man

99 Donna Ballard  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:46:23am

Got to do my house work now, have fun every and Keep Laughing!

100 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:46:54am

re: #94 darthstar

I didn't know you were secretly hoping for the Republicans to fall further. You sly dog!

just imagine if these crackpots win big in Nov...imagine a ferocious wave of them sweeping across the country next year...it's a nightmare....I used to have respect for Newt, now he freaks me out

101 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:48:11am

Those Crazy Chinese Dept.: (As seen on this evening's news and slightly OT)

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families. More planned as the country gears up for massive solar deployment.

Stupid asses. They don't even know that it's not cost-effective.

Or whatever.

102 CarleeCork  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:49:48am

re: #70 reine.de.tout
The Cookbook is wonderful, everyone should purchase a copy.

103 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:50:37am

re: #82 HoosierHoops

BBL Lizards..It's a near perfect day in Indiana so I'm going 'swimming'
Reason #38 never to have a pool..
He had 2 huge storms the last couple of nights...It looks like somebody drowned an oak tree in the pool.. I'm not going swimming..I'm going cleaning...At least the music is loud...Never get a swimming pool...:0

shutupshutupshutup
Don't tell my hubby.
Anytime I suggest a pool all he talks about is what a pain in the ass they are to keep clean.

104 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:50:48am

re: #98 Mad Al-Jaffee

"It happens...people just explode. Natural causes."

-Repo Man

Am Idol contestants go missing...it's depressing

105 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:51:30am

re: #103 webevintage

shutupshutupshutup
Don't tell my hubby.
Anytime I suggest a pool all he talks about is what a pain in the ass they are to keep clean.

Heh.
Exactly what my hubby tells me.
I would love a pool.

106 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:53:01am

re: #95 ludwigvanquixote


It is time we shut down oil. That can not be done overnight but there are some very large benefit to moving in that direction. This not only has economic, military and security benefits. This not only helps to avoid ecological catastrophe and ultimate collapse through AGW.

Shut down oil? Got any idea how to do that?

107 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:53:14am

re: #101 ryannon

Those Crazy Chinese Dept.: (As seen on this evening's news and slightly OT)

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families. More planned as the country gears up for massive solar deployment.

Stupid asses. They don't even know that it's not cost-effective.

Or whatever.

it's subsidized by US dollars...so to speak...they can take a hit as long as Walmarts profits keep crawling towards a trillion a year

108 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:53:31am

re: #80 Dragon_Lady

You have such a way with words... Very succinctly put. I envy that kind of talent...

I like things in simple terms that everyone can understand.

109 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:53:38am

re: #101 ryannon

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families.

Are those figures correct? It sounds optimistic.

110 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:53:57am

GOP lawmaker demands Barton step down from top committee spot


A Republican lawmaker from a district affected by the oil spill called on Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) to step down as the ranking member of his committee.

Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), whose Pensacola district is among the most-impacted areas in the Gulf by the oil spill, condemned Barton for apologizing to BP CEO Tony Hayward during a committee meeting on Thursday.

"I condemn Mr. Barton’s statement. Mr. Barton’s remarks are out of touch with this tragedy and I feel his comments call into question his judgment and ability to serve in a leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee," MIller said in a statement. "He should step down as Ranking Member of the Committee.”

More please.

111 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:55:14am

re: #110 Killgore Trout

GOP lawmaker demands Barton step down from top committee spot

More please.

Huh... this brings up an interesting question...

Has Texas been hit by the gulf disaster yet?

112 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:55:42am

re: #109 EdDantes

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families.

Are those figures correct? It sounds optimistic.

The Chinese are hopeless dreamers.

113 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:55:42am

re: #109 EdDantes

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families.

Are those figures correct? It sounds optimistic.

There are somewhat "official" criteria for electrical usage per family. The Chinese is certainly a fraction of US usage.

114 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:55:46am

re: #101 ryannon

Those Crazy Chinese Dept.: (As seen on this evening's news and slightly OT)

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families. More planned as the country gears up for massive solar deployment.

Stupid asses. They don't even know that it's not cost-effective.

Or whatever.

It's cost effective when things like "protected wetland" and "workers rights" are concepts rather than realities.

115 Firstinla  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:55:49am

re: #70 reine.de.tout

A very high five to you and thanks for all your work (and all who contributed and helped).

116 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:56:03am

re: #105 reine.de.tout

Heh.
Exactly what my hubby tells me.
I would love a pool.

I'd love a pool...my back forty resembles the Sahara right now...95-100 every day without a cloud in the sky

118 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:56:30am

re: #106 NJDhockeyfan

Shut down oil? Got any idea how to do that?

BO does, I'll wager

119 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:56:56am

re: #113 Decatur Deb

There are somewhat "official" criteria for electrical usage per family. The Chinese is certainly a fraction of US usage.

Hell yeah. They don't even have radios, let alone television and the Internet.

120 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:57:05am

re: #111 jamesfirecat

Nope - the Gulf Coast currents are shifting the oil to the East - away from Texas. The bulk of the oil spill is on LA, AL, MS, and FL at the moment.

121 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:57:11am

re: #108 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I like things in simple terms that everyone can understand.

what do you mean?

122 CarleeCork  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:57:30am

re: #111 jamesfirecat

Huh... this brings up an interesting question...

Has Texas been hit by the gulf disaster yet?


My nephew and his family live on the coast in Galveston, nothing there yet.

123 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:57:36am

The distancing & fallout begins.
----------------
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) broke with a top Republican on Thursday who suggested BP had suffered a "shakedown" by being forced to set up a $20 billion fund to pay out damages.

Asked at his weekly press conference if he disagreed with Barton’s characterization of the deal struck Wednesday at the White House, Boehner quickly responded, “I do.”

“BP agreed to fund the cost of this cleanup from the beginning and I’m glad they’re being held accountable,” Boehner told reporters.

[Link: thehill.com...]
----------------
UPDATE, 12:08 p.m.: From DNC spokesman Hari Sevugan:

"While the President has gotten BP to rightfully apologize to the American people for their reckless behavior, their inexcusable response and their insulting approach, Republicans are apologizing to BP. Republicans could not have this more backward, and it raises serious questions as to why they are on the side of BP and the oil companies instead of that of the American people. The only people Republicans and Joe Barton should be apologizing to are the people of the Gulf who they've turned their backs on to defend BP."

[Link: voices.washingtonpost.com...]

124 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:57:57am

re: #119 ryannon

Hell yeah. They don't even have radios, let alone television and the Internet.

Or electric crepe-makers.

125 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:58:20am

The wingnuts are really wound up today....

Bachmann fears Obama using BP escrow fund as a ‘permanent ATM card’

126 Targetpractice  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:58:30am

re: #124 Decatur Deb

Or electric crepe-makers.

Mmmmm...crepes...

127 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:58:51am

re: #116 albusteve

I'd love a pool...my back forty resembles the Sahara right now...95-100 every day without a cloud in the sky

Yeah, that's just about the weather we are having after all that rain last week.
hot, hot, hot.
I hate summer.

128 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:59:00am

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

129 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:59:42am

re: #125 Killgore Trout

The wingnuts are really wound up today...

Bachmann fears Obama using BP escrow fund as a ‘permanent ATM card’

What a bitch.
I'm really sick of this stupid shit.
Has she no idea how the fund would work? Where has she been since 9/11?

130 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:59:58am

Now that we're past 100, I'll go off topic for a moment to let you all know that I have freed myself from the shackles of oppression laid upon me by the Superior Court of San Mateo County and paid my $50 fine for having an expired driver's license.

It's good to be back on the side of righteousness and legal standing within the community. But I'll tell you, standing in line for 90 minutes at the courthouse can be entertaining as hell. The woman in front of me, freaking out because she thinks she'll be there all day, calls a job interview she has scheduled for 1pm to ask them to move it back to 3pm, then realizes she has ten days to appear and gets out of line after thirty minutes. She would have been through to see the judge and out by 10:30 at the latest. Some people just shoot themselves in the foot no matter what. I don't think she would have made a great hostess anyway. The lady behind me told me her life story for the past few weeks--unsolicited of course--and some guy standing at the counter after being in line for an hour and a half answers his cell-phone instead of finishing paying his fine, and walks away from the counter shouting "SHUT UP!" at whomever was on the other end.

131 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 10:59:59am

re: #114 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

It's cost effective when things like "protected wetland" and "workers rights" are concepts rather than realities.

By God, you've got it!

Everybody off to your Chinese Embassy. Slogan of the day: "Save the Ducks!"

And now, back to our live coverage of the Gulf spill.

132 Lidane  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:00:43am

re: #51 Dreggas

And that's surprising why? ODS is the fuel for the movement at the moment. Even if Obama were to magically make the oil disappear they would find a reason to criticize him.

If Obama waved his hand and made all the oil magically disappear, the ODS folks would find a way to say that he cost the US untold billions in oil revenue and jobs.

The guy can't win for losing. The far left think he's caved to BP and that he's not doing enough. The far right think he's unfairly shaking down BP and is an Enemy of Capitalism and Free Enterprise OMG. Meanwhile, the truth is somewhere in between and the disaster continues.

133 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:00:49am

re: #111 jamesfirecat

Huh... this brings up an interesting question...

Has Texas been hit by the gulf disaster yet?

Currents flow away from Texas.

134 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:00:49am

re: #123 CuriousLurker

A few people have a clue to how bad the political fallout from this insanity can be. I'm not sure if it's enough to silence the loons. Even if they shut up now the damage is done. Dems can always highlight these loony statements and conspiracies as representing the Republican position on the oil spill.
You can't put the shit back in the horse.

135 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:00:52am

re: #120 lawhawk

Nope - the Gulf Coast currents are shifting the oil to the East - away from Texas. The bulk of the oil spill is on LA, AL, MS, and FL at the moment.

//I guess everything is bigger in Texas except environmental concerns...

136 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:00:59am

re: #127 webevintage

Yeah, that's just about the weather we are having after all that rain last week.
hot, hot, hot.
I hate summer.

hasn't rained in the central Rio Grande valley since last Sept...and that was nothing to brag about...a couple of days of moderate rain and drizzle

137 KingKenrod  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:01:04am

re: #129 webevintage

What a bitch.
I'm really sick of this stupid shit.
Has she no idea how the fund would work? Where has she been since 9/11?

She's knows how the fund will work since it has to be legislatively authorized. She's just a bomb-throwing idiot.

138 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:01:24am

re: #109 EdDantes

In Yunnan Province, the Chinese are installing the world's largest array of solar panels over a surface of nearly a square mile. When completed, it will furnish electricity to over 100,000 families.

Are those figures correct? It sounds optimistic.

Are you kidding? Do you know how much energy in sunlight hits a square mile of surface area?

(It's alot)

139 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:01:24am

Maybe Joe Barton is no different than the congressmen and women who were so beholden to big medicine and medical insurers that the public option was DOA. Or Wall street derivatives may escape the ban hammer. Or Banking reform that is so watered down as to be unhelpful.

Today its a Republican. Tomorrow a Democrat. Frankly I see this as a purchased politician issue, not a partisan one. POST WING folks!

140 CarleeCork  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:01:41am

re: #129 webevintage

What a bitch.
I'm really sick of this stupid shit.
Has she no idea how the fund would work? Where has she been since 9/11?


Sharpening her stupid skills.

141 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:02:11am

re: #128 Charles

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

CSDS, No surprise that is one of our resident wingnuts.

142 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:02:25am

re: #128 Charles

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

Huh? An idiot? Where? Get him, Charles!

(Logs off).

143 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:03:03am

re: #138 Fozzie Bear

I think about (latitude matters) 1500 to 1000 watts per square meter, reduced to the efficiency of the panels, usually about 20%

144 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:03:05am

re: #132 Lidane


The guy can't win for losing. The far left think he's caved to BP and that he's not doing enough. The far right think he's unfairly shaking down BP and is an Enemy of Capitalism and Free Enterprise OMG. Meanwhile, the truth is somewhere in between and the disaster continues.

This:
[Link: www.balloon-juice.com...]
Pretty much sums it up for me.

145 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:03:07am

re: #111 jamesfirecat

Huh... this brings up an interesting question...

Has Texas been hit by the gulf disaster yet?

The oil is floating the other way, eastward not westward.
Not likely the Texas coast (or western coastal La.) will be affected by actual oily coastline; main effect will be loss of jobs.

146 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:03:27am

re: #138 Fozzie Bear

Are you kidding? Do you know how much energy in sunlight hits a square mile of surface area?

(It's alot)

Thanks for quantifying that for me.

147 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:03:57am

re: #128 Charles

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

OMG if it's me, it's a mistake, honestly.

148 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:09am

re: #138 Fozzie Bear

Are you kidding? Do you know how much energy in sunlight hits a square mile of surface area?

(It's alot)

we should try it in the Mohave

149 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:23am

re: #136 albusteve

hasn't rained in the central Rio Grande valley since last Sept...and that was nothing to brag about...a couple of days of moderate rain and drizzle

wow.
I had no idea.
That's just depressing.

150 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:28am

re: #145 reine.de.tout

The oil is floating the other way, eastward not westward.
Not likely the Texas coast (or western coastal La.) will be affected by actual oily coastline; main effect will be loss of jobs.

Speaking of which, I heard BP was also putting $100 million into a fund for oil workers laid off due to the drilling moratorium. Would your other half get to benefit from this fund?

151 Lidane  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:45am

re: #128 Charles

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

LOL forever. Anyone who takes Jones seriously should just quit while they're behind.

152 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:46am

re: #138 Fozzie Bear

Are you kidding? Do you know how much energy in sunlight hits a square mile of surface area?

(It's alot)

Well, their factories are running day and night. Their tooling up to sell us cheap solar panels.

153 Political Atheist  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:04:59am

Master spy does not display page dings does it?

154 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:05:13am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

You can't put the shit back in the horse.

Why have I not heard that before? All my life I've been using the one about toothpaste. Time to upgrade!

155 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:05:23am

re: #148 albusteve

we should try it in the Mohave

Senator Feinstein won't allow it.

156 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:05:56am

re: #149 webevintage

wow.
I had no idea.
That's just depressing.

dry heat tho!
heh

157 EdDantes  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:06:08am

Must leave now. Good day, all.

158 ryannon  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:06:24am

re: #152 ryannon

Well, their factories are running day and night. Their tooling up to sell us cheap solar panels.

PIMF: they're

159 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:06:27am

re: #155 EdDantes

Senator Feinstein won't allow it.

it was a loaded statement

160 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:07:24am

Assad: Flotilla clash could lead to war

Know what else could lead to war? Arming Hezballah.

161 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:07:26am

re: #141 Killgore Trout

CSDS, No surprise that is one of our resident wingnuts.

Wingnut and blogpimp. The worst.

162 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:07:43am

OT: AOL buys Bebo for $850 million, and sells it for $10 million. What kind of idiot pays ten million for a failed social networking site?

163 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:07:56am

re: #150 darthstar

Speaking of which, I heard BP was also putting $100 million into a fund for oil workers laid off due to the drilling moratorium. Would your other half get to benefit from this fund?

He hasn't lost his job, and isn't likely to in the near future.

He has many years experience deepwater, and lots of expertise. In fact, his company has never required him to take one of their deepwater courses; he could probably write the book on it. What will happen to him is he would get sent overseas, most likely, Brazil or Nigeria, for 28 on/28 off. Well, that would be the plan, those never work out that way. At any rate, he is most likely to remain employed. If his company doesn't want him, there are companies that would want him.

164 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:07:58am

re: #153 Rightwingconspirator

Nope, except in the green dinger blocks, which are not hot.

165 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:08:02am

re: #134 Killgore Trout

You can't put the shit back in the horse.

Heh. Quoted for truth.

166 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:08:12am

re: #150 darthstar

Speaking of which, I heard BP was also putting $100 million into a fund for oil workers laid off due to the drilling moratorium. Would your other half get to benefit from this fund?

where does it end?....the shock waves of unemployment will stretch out far from the Gulf

167 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:08:37am

re: #143 Rightwingconspirator

I think about (latitude matters) 1500 to 1000 watts per square meter, reduced to the efficiency of the panels, usually about 20%

So, at the rate of 1000 watts per square meter and 20% efficiency, a square mile of solar panels would produce 518 million watts while illuminated. If this were divided among 100k homes, that would equal a mere 5 million watts per home during daylight hours. By my estimation, that square mile of panels would only need to be fully illuminated a few minutes a day to produce enough power for 100k homes.

Of course, this ignores the issue of transmission and storage, but still.... that's more than enough to do the trick.

168 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:08:55am

re: #163 reine.de.tout

Good...glad to hear you'll likely get through this unscathed.

169 CommonCents  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:09:05am

re: #95 ludwigvanquixote

Congressmen will always find a new trough. Oil is not the only lobbying group and oil has it's purposes outside of energy. Look at those plastic keys you are banging on right now.

170 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:09:07am

re: #160 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Assad: Flotilla clash could lead to war

Know what else could lead to war? Arming Hezballah.

I see dark days ahead for Assad

171 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:09:21am

re: #168 darthstar

Good...glad to hear you'll likely get through this unscathed.

Having your husband work in Nigeria 28 weeks of the year is not unscathed.

172 darthstar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:09:57am

re: #171 EmmmieG

Having your husband work in Nigeria 28 weeks of the year is not unscathed.

That's not what I meant.

173 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:10:00am

re: #149 webevintage

wow.
I had no idea.
That's just depressing.

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.
Everytime we travel into Texas and get past San Antonio, everything looks brown and I get really depressed.

174 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:10:36am

re: #167 Fozzie Bear

So, at the rate of 1000 watts per square meter and 20% efficiency, a square mile of solar panels would produce 518 million watts while illuminated. If this were divided among 100k homes, that would equal a mere 5 million watts per home during daylight hours. By my estimation, that square mile of panels would only need to be fully illuminated a few minutes a day to produce enough power for 100k homes.

Of course, this ignores the issue of transmission and storage, but still... that's more than enough to do the trick.

Woops... thats 5 thousand, not 5 million. So it would take several hours a day. Still... my point stands.

175 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:11:12am

re: #168 darthstar

Good...glad to hear you'll likely get through this unscathed.

Yes, anything we "suffer' will be a most minor inconvenience compared to what many, many others are facing. And not just the oil workers, but all those in businesses that support the oil industry. I hope this fund helps them.

176 Nimed  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:11:28am

re: #106 NJDhockeyfan

Shut re: #118 albusteve

BO does, I'll wager

down oil? Got any idea how to do that?

Cap and Trade (or a carbon tax) would be a step in the right direction. It would be the most market oriented solution to incentivize the development of alternative energies. But tell that to the GOP Senators (and, to be fair, to the Dems Blue Dogs).

177 Kragar  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:11:30am

re: #174 Fozzie Bear

Woops... thats 5 thousand, not 5 million. So it would take several hours a day. Still... my point stands.

But where can you find a place that stays sunny for several hours a day?

/

178 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:11:39am

re: #171 EmmmieG

Having your husband work in Nigeria 28 weeks of the year is not unscathed.

28 days, I should have specified.
28 days at a time, then 28 home, then back for another 28.

179 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:11:48am

re: #173 reine.de.tout

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.
Everytime we travel into Texas and get past San Antonio, everything looks brown and I get really depressed.

Can you accompany to a nearby shore homestead? There's lots of green out there.

180 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:12:33am

re: #173 reine.de.tout

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.
Everytime we travel into Texas and get past San Antonio, everything looks brown and I get really depressed.

It's not so bad.

[Link: www.crazyguyonabike.com...]

181 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:12:44am

re: #173 reine.de.tout

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.
Everytime we travel into Texas and get past San Antonio, everything looks brown and I get really depressed.

I go up to MI and everything is green, so much green and too many trees...trees are everywhere up there...in the woods, peoples yards

182 Lidane  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:13:14am

re: #144 webevintage

This:
[Link: www.balloon-juice.com...]
Pretty much sums it up for me.

I've had an internet crush on John Cole since he up and got fed up with the right during the Schiavo circus. He's fantastic. And yes, that sums it up beautifully.

Obama could literally walk on water and some far left douche would say that he's discriminating against people who swim, while the far right would call him arrogant and say that he's flaunting his elitism. It's ridiculous.

183 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:13:16am

re: #179 Decatur Deb

Can you accompany to a nearby shore homestead? There's lots of green out there.

Yeah, I would have to live somewhere with a LOT of green, I think.
It's just what I'm accustomed to, though I can appreciate the beauty of other places, I am affected when I don't see a lot of green, which always looks like LIFE to me.

184 Feline Fearless Leader  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:13:21am

re: #177 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But where can you find a place that stays sunny for several hours a day?

/

Philadelphia???

:)

185 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:13:58am

re: #181 albusteve

I go up to MI and everything is green, so much green and too many trees...trees are everywhere up there...in the woods, peoples yards

hehehe. Too many trees?
Yes, we have lots of trees in our yard.
I love 'em

186 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:14:28am

re: #180 wrenchwench

It's not so bad.

[Link: www.crazyguyonabike.com...]

link forbidden.
LOL.
It figures, eh?

187 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:15:06am

re: #186 reine.de.tout

link forbidden.
LOL.
It figures, eh?

Hmm, worked for me. I'll find another one....

188 webevintage  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:15:33am

re: #173 reine.de.tout

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.


Of course all that green (and we are really green right now) requires humidity and rain.

189 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:16:21am

Oh, heck. Have 'em all...

190 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:16:29am

re: #173 reine.de.tout

Yeah, I think so too.
I'm not sure I could live without a lot of green around me.
Everytime we travel into Texas and get past San Antonio, everything looks brown and I get really depressed.

Yeah, once you get about 20-30 minutes south of SA it's nothing but scrub brush, stunted trees and prickly pear cactus clear down to Mexico.

191 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:17:43am

re: #178 reine.de.tout

My father worked in Alaska during one recession for long periods of time. The effect on my family was profound and unfortunate.

(My husband's family went through something similar. We've both vowed that we would never have him work away from home if it could be avoided.)

192 jamesfirecat  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:17:49am

re: #182 Lidane

I've had an internet crush on John Cole since he up and got fed up with the right during the Schiavo circus. He's fantastic. And yes, that sums it up beautifully.

Obama could literally walk on water and some far left douche would say that he's discriminating against people who swim, while the far right would call him arrogant and say that he's flaunting his elitism. It's ridiculous.

///Course he has to walk on water, everybody knows black people can't swim!

193 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:18:10am

re: #188 webevintage

Of course all that green (and we are really green right now) requires humidity and rain.

Yeah, but I've got my routine to keep my hair from frizzing.
So it's all good.
LOL

194 Lidane  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:18:44am

re: #190 CuriousLurker

Yeah, once you get about 20-30 minutes south of SA it's nothing but scrub brush, stunted trees and prickly pear cactus clear down to Mexico.

Yep. My mom's been under water rationing for ages now. Her lawn is brown, but she can only water it on certain days because of the drought they've been dealing with for so long. God only knows how the citrus farmers are doing these days, too.

195 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:18:51am

re: #190 CuriousLurker

Yeah, once you get about 20-30 minutes south of SA it's nothing but scrub brush, stunted trees and prickly pear cactus clear down to Mexico.

Beautiful views, exotic to my eyes.
But I could not live there for long.

196 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:20:39am

re: #191 EmmmieG

My father worked in Alaska during one recession for long periods of time. The effect on my family was profound and unfortunate.

(My husband's family went through something similar. We've both vowed that we would never have him work away from home if it could be avoided.)

We've lived this way our entire married life - 14 days on/14 days off.
We have managed to thrive; and we can survive longer periods.

It does mean that life is always in flux. We get into a routine when he's gone, then he comes home and everything changes. We get used to that, and then he leaves again, and everything changes. That's the worst part of it, we can't get into a family routine, and then of course, absences on holidays.

But we've worked it out.

197 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:21:44am

re: #195 reine.de.tout

Beautiful views, exotic to my eyes.
But I could not live there for long.

Oh, and I forgot to mention cattle & oil rigs (which used to remind me of giant birds). You're right though, there is an austere beauty to it.

198 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:22:23am

re: #189 wrenchwench

Oh, heck. Have 'em all...

Wow.
Breathtakingly beautiful scenery!

199 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:24:06am

re: #189 wrenchwench

Oh, heck. Have 'em all...

As I said above, beautiful scenery!

But this is what I'm accustomed to.

200 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:24:59am

re: #196 reine.de.tout

We've lived this way our entire married life - 14 days on/14 days off.
We have managed to thrive; and we can survive longer periods.

It does mean that life is always in flux. We get into a routine when he's gone, then he comes home and everything changes. We get used to that, and then he leaves again, and everything changes. That's the worst part of it, we can't get into a family routine, and then of course, absences on holidays.

But we've worked it out.

My mother was alone with six kids for months at a time. You can fill in all the problems that would show up there.

My husband's family wasn't healthy before Dad left, and it only got worse.

I'm glad you two can work it out. It was a disaster in our families.

201 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:25:09am

re: #189 wrenchwench

Oh, heck. Have 'em all...

I can't see myself ever leaving the East Coast, but if I did some place like Santa Fe or Taos would be the only other place I'd want to live.

202 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:26:32am

re: #199 reine.de.tout

As I said above, beautiful scenery!

But this is what I'm accustomed to.

I like this one:

Image: 15-louisiana-sign.jpg

We have so much to choose from without leaving the country!

203 Lidane  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:27:50am

OK, Lizards. Back later. The France vs. Mexico match is about to start.

Take care, all. :D

204 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:29:12am

re: #189 wrenchwench

Oh, heck. Have 'em all...

ahhh!....the love of my life!

205 McSpiff  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:30:18am

re: #163 reine.de.tout

He hasn't lost his job, and isn't likely to in the near future.

He has many years experience deepwater, and lots of expertise. In fact, his company has never required him to take one of their deepwater courses; he could probably write the book on it. What will happen to him is he would get sent overseas, most likely, Brazil or Nigeria, for 28 on/28 off. Well, that would be the plan, those never work out that way. At any rate, he is most likely to remain employed. If his company doesn't want him, there are companies that would want him.

Canadian east coast! I'll take you two out for dinner!

206 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:30:27am

re: #202 wrenchwench

I like this one:

Image: 15-louisiana-sign.jpg

We have so much to choose from without leaving the country!

yes, exactly, my mission in life, go everywhere and see everything

207 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:30:41am

re: #199 reine.de.tout

As I said above, beautiful scenery!

But this is what I'm accustomed to.

I kinda feel the same way about LA as you do about TX—Lousiana is quite exotic with its bayous & greenery, but having grown up in wide open spaces it makes me feel claustrophobic.

Of course it would probably be different now because I've gotten so used to living in crowded urban areas that even going across bridges that span wetlands here in NJ makes me nervous—too open. Go figure.

208 Decatur Deb  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:31:48am

From 538:

A more direct link between BP, Deepwater, and Rep Barton

[Link: www.fivethirtyeight.com...]

209 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:31:58am

re: #202 wrenchwench

We have so much to choose from without leaving the country!

I think someone could easily spend half a lifetime seeing all there is to see here.

210 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:32:56am

re: #209 CuriousLurker

I think someone could easily spend half a lifetime seeing all there is to see here.

I have, and I'm not done yet....America is simply awesome

211 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:33:27am

re: #189 wrenchwench

I'm rather partial to Wyoming and Utah scenery, but those shots are awesome.

212 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:33:50am

re: #210 albusteve

I have, and I'm not done yet...America is simply awesome

Indeed she is.

213 Idle Drifter  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:38:06am

re: #128 Charles

We've got an idiot posting links to Alex Jones stories in LGF Pages.

Man the Harpoons!

214 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:38:43am

re: #211 lawhawk

I'm rather partial to Wyoming and Utah scenery, but those shots are awesome.

for the vibe and scenery...Wyoming rivals NM imo

215 CuriousLurker  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:40:06am

re: #211 lawhawk

I'm rather partial to Wyoming and Utah scenery, but those shots are awesome.

Oh, the mountains & the huge pine trees. It reminds me of a trip we took through the Southwest by car when I was a kid. Colorado in November is like a fairy land: sparking snow, hoar frost on the trees, big horn sheep, mountain goats, amazing lakes, rivers, gorges... *sigh*

216 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:40:49am

re: #211 lawhawk

I'm rather partial to Wyoming and Utah scenery, but those shots are awesome.

My house is in this shot:

[Link: i58.photobucket.com...]

217 albusteve  Thu, Jun 17, 2010 11:42:25am

re: #216 wrenchwench

My house is in this shot:

[Link: i58.photobucket.com...]

damn...nice place!

218 afkabl2  Sat, Jun 19, 2010 8:57:46am

one fact needs to be repeated. barton did not defend BP. He did defend the constitution which USED to be something that dems were concerned with doing when bush suspended habeus corpus in order to keep us safe.
And its no wonder that not only are dems NOT demanding that Bob ethridge resign anything after assaulting a teenager on the street, but the main stream media wont even report it.
three years ago if I told you that bush was going to take control of Gm , fire the ceo and replace him with a crony and THEN tell you that he was going to tell a private corporation to pony up 20 billion or he would take it from them as reported by the new york daily news as threatened by the vice president, you would have gone into convulsons of anger against the party of no and the party that terrorized old and poor people.
what bp did is inexcusable, and should pay out the nose for it, but do NOT forget the motto of this white house.
"never let a crisis go to waste"
How is that relavant? Bart stupak has already begun talking about using this money on health care.
"I can see November from my house"

219 garhighway  Sat, Jun 19, 2010 9:31:32am

re: #218 afkabl2

one fact needs to be repeated. barton did not defend BP. He did defend the constitution which USED to be something that dems were concerned with doing when bush suspended habeus corpus in order to keep us safe.

I don't think there is a Constitutional prohibition against BP agreeing to pay for the damage it caused.

But if you think there is, please cite it for us.

220 RayGunIsDead  Sat, Jun 19, 2010 9:32:56am

Eight More Deep Thoughts from Rep. Joe Barton

The guys a little anti reality.

221 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jun 19, 2010 10:21:48am

re: #218 afkabl2

one fact needs to be repeated. barton did not defend BP.

Oh, bullshit. Do you think people don't see through your spinning?

222 RayGunIsDead  Sat, Jun 19, 2010 10:23:52am

Why are cons anti reality? Palin, Bachmann, Beckerhead, Barton on and on.


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